Support for COVID-19 Response
In 2022, Japan continued to provide support for COVID-19 response to developing countries. Japan announced financial support totaling up to 1.5 billion US dollars for the COVAX Facility, and implemented efforts such as vaccine donations, “Last One Mile Note 1 Support,” and developing and strengthening medical systems for infectious disease control.
Through the global spread of COVID-19, we were reminded that “no one is safe until everyone is safe.” ODA is essential to protect the health and economic activities of Japanese citizens too. This section introduces some of Japan’s efforts.
Cambodia Last One Mile Support
Japan provided equipment related to prevention, diagnosis, and monitoring, including the maintenance of cold chains Note 2 (200 vaccine coolers, 400 motorcycles for vaccine transportation, etc.). Motorcycles contribute to vaccinations in hard-to-reach remote areas (Last One Mile Support).
Tajikistan Provision of Ambulances and Strengthening the Health System
Japan provided 67 municipal and district-level hospitals across Tajikistan with 94 ambulances equipped with basic medical equipment or ones capable of providing specialized medical services. The Government of Tajikistan expressed its gratitude for Japan’s contribution to improving the ability to transport emergency cases of COVID-19 and the access to health services for people living in remote areas.
Peru Prevention and Awareness Raising of COVID-19
In collaboration with the Asociación Peruano Japonesa (Japanese Peruvian Association), Japan implemented a COVID-19 prevention and treatment campaign. By disseminating Japan’s know-how, such as avoiding the “Three Cs” (closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings) in Peru, Japan extended visible cooperation throughout the country.
Timor-Leste Vaccine Donations, Last One Mile Support, and Developing and Strengthening the Medical Systems
Japan provided approximately 170,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine that were manufactured in Japan in 2021. In addition, in cooperation with Australia, UNICEF, and other partners, Japan provided ambulances and vaccine transport boxes that use technologies from Japanese companies, and strengthened the capacity of health bureau personnel, to facilitate the transportation of vaccines to rural areas.
Chile Strengthening Testing Capacity by Providing Equipment
Japan provided equipment related to COVID-19 testing to a hospital in Chile where an ex-training participant of the FY2019 JICA Knowledge Co-Creation Program Note 3 works as a doctor, aiming at supporting the ex-trainee’s activities. As a result, the hospital increased its capability to handle 20% of the total PCR tests in Chile, contributing to the enhancement of the country’s testing capabilities.
African Countries Support for Vaccine Manufacturing and Healthcare System Development
Private-Sector Investment Finance of up to 400 million US dollars was provided for the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim). Note 4 Through Afrexim, Japan supports the smooth recovery of socio-economic activities from COVID-19 by developing regional manufacturing and supply bases for medical products and pharmaceuticals, including vaccine production lines in Africa, as well as developing healthcare-related facilities such as hospitals.
- Note 1: In fields such as logistics and communication services, this means the last segment of delivery of goods or services between the final provision site and the users or consumers.
- Note 2: See Note 54.
- Note 3: Knowledge co-creation program titled “Strengthening Laboratory Techniques and Surveillance System for Global Control of HIV and Related Infectious Diseases.”
- Note 4: A regional development financial institution with members from 52 African governments.