In light of the global pandemic, we also believe that assistance for vulnerable segment of the population who are most severely affected is essential. We truly hope that this new support will contribute to bringing about as many joyous smiles of Afghan people as possible.”
As part of Japan’s long-standing commitment to improving health in Afghanistan, WHO will receive approximately US $660 000 from the total package of assistance to address urgent gaps in the provision of health care. This will play a crucial role in plugging the shortage of life-saving essential health services, which has been further exacerbated due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan’s support will also strengthen the country’s capacity to respond to public health emergencies due to major outbreaks.
Under the new project, WHO will provide technical support, training for staff and 10 trauma emergency surgical kits to 2 hospitals in high-risk conflict-affected provinces of Urozgan and Kandahar to improve the provision of life-saving emergency trauma care. One primary health care centre will be deployed ensure emergency primary care for internally displaced persons and hard-to-reach communities affected by conflict, health emergencies and natural disasters. To ensure adequate support to this centre, 100 Interagency Emergency Health Kits (IEHKs) and 6 supplementary health kits will be provided together with training medical staff on managing cases linked to gender-based violence and rape, especially during health emergencies. Lastly, an infectious diseases ward will be established in Laghman province to support early detection and response to cases of epidemic-prone diseases and high threat pathogens.
Japan has been assisting Afghanistan’s nation-building efforts in various fields including security, agriculture, rural development, human capacity development, education, health, infrastructure, culture and humanitarian assistance. With the upcoming disbursement of US$ 122.2 million, the cumulative Japanese assistance to Afghanistan since 2001 will amount to US$ 6.9 billion.
