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 14, 2024, the C7 published a statement ahead of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Capri from April 17-19, 2024, where the group called on the foreign ministers to take concrete action to promote human rights as well as the common interests of humanity and the planet.

The C7 advocated that the G7 ministers reaffirm their commitment to developing long-term peace-building strategies that address persistent structural challenges at the basis of conflicts, ensure food security even in fragile settings, and address a profound transformation of food systems. The group also called upon their governmental counterparts to ensure safe and regular migration channels and commit to protecting migrant rights.

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 4, 2024, Japan and Pakistan formalized additional grant agreements totaling approximately US$10 million for climate and hleath related projects.

Installation of Meteorological Radar in Sukkur City saw funding increase from JPY2 billion (US$13 million) to JPY2.8 billion (US$18 million). The grant Expansion of Maternal and Child Health Facilities in Sindh Province increased from JPY3.4 billion (US$22 million) to JPY4.1 billion (US$27 million). These adjustments reflected the necessity to address rising equipment costs and enhance the impact of these initiatives.

The meteorological radar project is slated to respond to Pakistan’s vulnerability to frequent natural disasters, including floods and landslides. With its geographical features making it prone to such calamities, Pakistan faces significant challenges in disaster management. The project aims to bolster the country’s disaster preparedness by installing a modern meteorological radar system in Sukkur City, located in Sindh Province. This upgrade will enhance Pakistan’s ability to monitor weather patterns accurately, issue timely warnings, and implement effective disaster risk reduction strategies.

The MNCH project is slated to address critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in maternal and child health services. Pakistan’s healthcare system, especially in Sindh Province, faces challenges in providing adequate maternal and child care, leading to high maternal and infant mortality rates. The project focuses on establishing a new maternal and child health center and upgrading medical equipment at Liaquat University Hospital in Hyderabad, Sindh Province. By strengthening diagnostic and treatment capabilities, this initiative aims to improve healthcare access and outcomes for mothers and children in Pakistan, contributing to the country’s overall health system resilience and 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 28, 2024, the Government of Japan announced it will resume support for UNRWA.

Japan previously suspended funding for UNRWA in January based on claims that certain employees had been involved in the attacks on Israel by Hamas last October. However, following a series of governance reforms, Japan confirmed that funding will resume.

The shift was announced following a meeting with the Commissioner General of the UNRWA. Moving forward, Japanese contributions to the organization will be directed toward medical services and supplies for women and children in light of the deteriorating health situation in Gaza.

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.