Japan grants $5.6m for child health programme in Sudan

July 30, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – The Government of Japan has extended a grant aid of US$ 5.6 million (SDG 13.5 million) to UN children organization (UICEF), for child health programmes for 5 millions Sudanese in 2010.

The signing ceremony was hosted at the Minister of Health’s office in Khartoum on Thursday. The event was attended by Professor Hassan Abu Asha, Sudanese State Minister of Health, the Japanese Ambassador to Sudan, and UNICEF acting Representative.

The Japanese contribution will be used to fund a number of life-saving health activities in both north and Southern Sudan including: vaccines for routine immunization activities, solar refrigerators for vaccine storage facilities, malaria diagnosis and testing equipment and drugs, primary health centre kits and Training of health workers.

Mr. Yuichi Ishii, Ambassador of Japan to Sudan underlined the commitment of his country to fighting infectious diseases throughout Sudan. “Improving quality of and access to basic health services is one of the priority areas for Japan’s assistance to Sudan,” he stressed.

Acknowledging the importance of Japan’s continued support to health programmes in Sudan, acting UNICEF Representative Per Engebak said “This contribution is another tangible demonstration of Japan’s commitment to tackling preventable diseases in Sudan, and to give children the best chance of a healthy start to life.”

Sudan has recorded significant progress in protecting children’s health since prior to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement; under-five mortality rates in Sudan fell from 156 deaths per 1,000 live births prior to 2005 to 112 according to the 2006 Sudan Household Health Survey.

However, to reach the Millennium Development Goal target of an under-five mortality rate of 62 deaths per 1,000 live births, continued efforts to improve child survival and development are required, said a statement released by the UNCIF.

In 2008, thanks to joint efforts by UNICEF and its partners almost 9 million children have been immunized against polio, more than 3 million immunized against measles, and 1 million children vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, while nearly 2.5 million insecticide-treated bed nets to protect against malaria were distributed to families across Sudan.

(ST)