Policy Updates

On April 19, 2024, the Japanese Finance Minister Shun’ichi Suzuki announced at the World Bank Spring Meeting that the government of Japan plans to establish a training center to enhance healthcare systems in developing countries, aiming to achieve UHC and ensure that everyone can access appropriate healthcare services at affordable costs.

This initiative follows the commitment made at the G7 Hiroshima Summit to achieve UHC by 2030. By collaborating with international organizations like the WHO and the World Bank, Japan intends to share its expertise and experiences in healthcare management and financing with officials from African and Southeast Asian countries.

The training center will provide programs focusing on Japan’s successful universal health insurance system and caregiving services, aiming to improve healthcare infrastructure and capacity in participating nations.

On April 16, 2024, in New Delhi, India, Japan announced additional grant assistance for the construction of the Royal Infectious Diseases Center in Bhutan totaling JPY758 million (US$5 million).

Bhutan faces challenges in its healthcare system, particularly in dealing with infectious diseases due to its aging infrastructure and inadequate medical equipment at its only infectious disease hospital, the Gidakhom National Infectious Diseases Hospital. Japan has pledged to construct the Royal Infectious Diseases Center under the direct control of the Bhutanese Ministry of Health, along with providing necessary medical equipment. The support aims to enhance the quality of diagnosis and treatment for infectious diseases, prevent the spread of infections, strengthen response capabilities during outbreaks, and foster expertise in infectious disease management.

Initially, Japan provided grant assistance amounting to JPY3 billion (US$19 million) in September 2022. However, due to inflation and other factors, the funding was deemed insufficient and the additional grant was allocated, bringing the total grant assistance to JPY3.8 billion (US$24 million).

On April 10, 2024, during Japanese Prime Minister Kishida’s Official Visit with State Dinner to the US, Japan emphasized its commitment to international cooperation in addressing pressing global challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Collaboration with the US spanned various areas, including climate change, infrastructure investment, and global health initiatives. Both nations expressed their intention to work together to ensure a successful outcome at the 29^th UNCCC and to certify quality infrastructure projects through the establishment of a Blue Dot Network Secretariat.

In the realm of global health, Japan welcomed the opening of the US CDC Regional Office for East Asia and the Pacific in Tokyo, aimed at strengthening core global health security capacities across the region. Additionally, discussions between the USAID and Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs centered on advancing shared global health priorities, reflecting a commitment to enhancing health outcomes in vulnerable populations worldwide.

Japan and the US also reaffirmed their dedication to diplomacy, development, and humanitarian assistance, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This commitment is demonstrated through initiatives such as the Japan - US - Mekong Power Partnership and contributions to strengthen critical infrastructure and climate resilience in partner countries. The two nations pledged to collaborate on strengthening the international financial architecture to support low- and middle-income countries in addressing global challenges, including climate change and sustainable development.

On April 2, 2024, Japan reinstated its financial support for UNRWA, disbursing approximately US$35 million from the FY2023 supplementary budget.

The decision marked a significant step in Japan’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance while ensuring the appropriate utilization of its funds.

To guarantee the effectiveness and legitimacy of the projects, Japan established a Japan - UNRWA Project Management and Monitoring Mechanism. Additionally, Japan aims to promote gender equality within UNRWA governance reform by encouraging the participation of women in leadership positions.

The funds will be distributed among the following programs:

• Gaza: Provision of relief supplies for women and infants;
• West Bank: Provision of medical services;
• Syria: Assistance for vulnerable groups, provision of medical services and vocational training;
• Lebanon: Provision of medical services; and
• Jordan: Assistance for vulnerable groups, assistance for youth.

On March 27, 2024, Japan announced a grant of JPY5 billion (US$34 million) to the WFP to support emergency food assistance in 15 partner countries in Africa.\
This assistance was announced in response to worsening food insecurity due to conflicts, terrorism, natural disasters, and other factors exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

The grant will enable WFP to distribute food assistance, including cereals, pulses, vegetable oil, and food vouchers, to address severe hunger, food shortages, and malnutrition in the region. Specifically, funds will be allocated to assist crisis-affected populations in countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Mali, where millions face hunger due to conflict, climate crises, and economic challenges.

The contribution reflected Japan’s commitment to addressing food security and sustainable agriculture, as outlined in previous TICADs. With TICAD9 scheduled for 2025, Japan aims to further improve food insecurity in Africa.

On March 22, 2024, it was announced that TICAD 9 will be held in Yokohama, Japan from August 20-25, 2025.

TICAD is an international conference led by the Japanese government in collaboration with various international organizations such as the UN, the UNDP, the African Union Commission, and the World Bank. The conference aims to promote high-level policy dialogue between African leaders and development partners, including Japan, to address the developmental challenges facing Africa.

In previous iterations, the conference focused on key issues such as economic development, poverty reduction, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and sustainable development in Africa. TICAD has been held regularly since its inception in 1993 and is considered one of the most significant platforms for African development cooperation.

On March 13, 2024, Japan signed a loan agreement for up to JPY21.1 billion (US$139 million) with Cambodia to strengthen the country’s rural hospitals.

The project aims to address the significant disparity in healthcare services between Cambodia's capital and its provinces. Specifically, it is slated to focus on upgrading provincial hospitals in Siem Reap and Kampong Cham to regional hospitals capable of providing advanced medical care. The initiative seeks to improve access to quality medical services in rural areas, reducing the need for residents to travel to the capital or neighboring countries for treatment, thereby enhancing the health outcomes of local communities.

The loan terms include an interest rate of TORF + 0.3% per annum, a repayment period of 30 years (including a 10-year grace period), and untied procurement terms.

The project announcement underscored Japan's commitment to supporting Cambodia's national development plan, particularly in rural development, and is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

On March 11, 2024, Japan and the WHO have signed an US$8 million grant agreement to support patients from the Gaza Strip receiving medical treatment in Egypt.

This funding is slated to improve the Egyptian health system's capacity to treat these patients by equipping hospitals, providing necessary supplies, and training healthcare staff. The project targets health facilities across several Egyptian governorates, enhancing care for critically ill and injured Palestinians.

The initiative reflects Japan's commitment as a key WHO partner in the region and Egypt's role in offering medical support to Palestinians, marking a continuation of Egypt's longstanding cooperation with international partners, including Japan, to address health and development challenges.

On March 6, 2024, Japan and UNFPA signed a grant agreement worth JPY1.1 billion (US$8 million) to improve emergency obstetric and newborn care in Timor-Leste.

This project is slated to enhance maternal and child health by upgrading facilities and training staff at community health centers across the country, addressing critical needs in a nation striving for development since its independence in 2002.

The initiative aims to bolster Timor-Leste's social services and infrastructure, contributing to the well-being of pregnant women, mothers, and newborns, reflecting Japan's commitment to supporting Timor-Leste's ongoing growth and peace consolidation.

On February 29, 2024, Japan committed approximately US$42 million to enhance food security in 15 countries.

The contribution aimed to support WFP efforts to reach those most vulnerable to hunger and malnutrition due to conflicts, terrorism, political instability, natural disasters, price hikes from the Ukraine invasion, climate change, and diseases.

The initiative aims to provide essential food supplies and vouchers to those facing extreme food insecurity and malnutrition in these regions, targeting refugees, internally displaced persons, women, and children. It seeks to alleviate food shortages and stabilize the food supply, contributing significantly to the food security of the affected nations.

While the contribution targeted 15 countries in SSA, the press release did not name specific countries.

The contribution is part of Japan’s ongoing commitment to addressing food crises and supporting sustainable agricultural production in Africa, as affirmed at the TICAD8 and the G7 Hiroshima Summit, embodying Japan’s dedication to aiding vulnerable regions in food and nutrition sectors.