Press Releases
Grant Assistance to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela: Signing and Exchange of Notes on “The Project for the Improvement of Environment for Medical Education”
February 20, 2026
On February 19 (same day local time), in Geneva, Switzerland, where the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) is located, H.E. Mr. OIKE Atsuyuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva, and Dr. Tedros ADHANOM GHEBREYESUS, Director-General of WHO, signed and exchanged notes on “The Project for the Improvement of Environment for Medical Education” (grant amount: 386 million yen).
- The humanitarian situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela remains critical due to prolonged political instability and an economic crisis, with over 80% of the population living under severe conditions as low-income earners. In particular, the healthcare system is in a dire state, and many lives are lost due to insufficient access to appropriate medical care. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to improve the skills and knowledge of healthcare workers.
- This project aims to establish a clinical simulation center equipped with human body models and other instruments for clinical training of future healthcare workers at educational institutions under the Faculty of Medicine of the Central University of Venezuela. It will contribute to the improvement of healthcare services by improving the medical education environment to produce healthcare professionals with adequate clinical knowledge.
- Japan has consistently expressed its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance that directly benefits the people of Venezuela and has realized this policy through support via international organizations. Taking into account the current situation in Venezuela, Japan will contribute to the stability of Venezuela through this cooperation a part of the continued humanitarian assistance directly beneficial to its people.
(Reference) Basic Data on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela covers an area of 910,000 square kilometers (about 2.4 times that of Japan), a population of approximately 28.41 million (World Bank, 2024), and a gross national income (GNI) per capita of US$3,820 (World Bank, 2024).