Japan Pledged $28 Million Grant
Japan has announced a $28 million grant to support Pakistan in addressing key developmental challenges, focusing on maternal health and flood management. The agreement, signed in Islamabad, underscores Japan’s commitment to assisting Pakistan in recovering from past disasters and addressing persistent healthcare challenges.
Background: Pakistan’s Flooding and Maternal Health Crisis
In 2022, Pakistan experienced catastrophic floods that:
- Claimed 1,700 lives.
- Impacted 33 million people.
- Resulted in $30 billion in economic losses.
On the healthcare front, maternal health remains a critical concern. According to UNFPA’s 2024 data, one woman dies every 50 minutes in Pakistan due to pregnancy-related complications, particularly in rural areas like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where healthcare access is severely limited.
Breakdown of Japan’s $28 Million Grant
The grant will fund two major initiatives aimed at disaster risk reduction and healthcare improvements.
1. Flood Management Project ($18.67 Million)
This project focuses on minimizing economic losses from floods by:
- Installing 45 hydrological and hydraulic observation networks in KP and Punjab.
- Rehabilitating river structures in KP to improve flood resilience.
- Adopting a “Build Back Better” approach to ensure sustainable infrastructure development.
Goals:
- Enhance river management systems.
- Improve the availability of critical hydrological data.
- Mitigate the risks of flash floods in the Indus River basin.
2. Maternal and Child Health Project ($9.91 Million)
This initiative aims to improve healthcare in KP’s Hazara Division by:
- Equipping 21 health facilities with essential medical equipment.
- Enhancing healthcare services to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
Expected Outcomes by 2029:
- Increased institutional deliveries and caesarean sections.
- Improved access to ultrasound examinations.
- Significant reductions in maternal and neonatal deaths.
Quick Overview of Projects
| Project | Focus Area | Investment | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flood Management | KP and Punjab | $18.67 million | Improved river structures and data |
| Maternal Health | Hazara Division | $9.91 million | Reduced maternal and neonatal mortality |
Japan’s Long-Term Commitment to Pakistan
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Charge d’Affaires Takano Shuichi reaffirmed Japan’s dedication:
“With these two projects, Japan has almost fulfilled its $77 million pledge made at the Geneva Conference in January 2023. We hope these initiatives will improve social welfare and reduce vulnerabilities in Pakistan.”
Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan, expressed optimism about the projects’ success in addressing healthcare disparities and strengthening disaster resilience.
Additional Support for Polio Eradication
In a separate announcement, Japan pledged an additional $3.1 million to support Pakistan’s polio eradication program. These funds will procure over 20 million vaccine doses for upcoming immunization campaigns.
Conclusion
Japan’s $28 million grant is a pivotal step in addressing Pakistan’s pressing challenges in disaster risk reduction and maternal health. The flood management project aims to strengthen infrastructure and resilience in flood-prone regions, while the maternal health initiative seeks to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare in vulnerable areas like KP’s Hazara Division.
By focusing on sustainable development and long-term solutions, Japan reaffirms its commitment to Pakistan’s recovery and growth. This partnership highlights shared goals of building resilience, reducing disparities, and improving the lives of future generations.