Government of Japan, UNICEF & Ministry of Health and Wellness Partnership Launch

Government of Japan, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health and Wellness this morning launched a new partnership to strengthen vaccine cold chain system and to support nutrition programme. The Government of Japan donated approximately P11.2 million. The funding will also support human resource development related to operations and maintenance of cold chain equipment, as well as monitoring for effective management of routine and COVID-19 vaccines. 

Speaking at the event Ambassador of Japan to Botswana, His Excellency, HOSHIYAMA Takashi, emphasized on the significance and importance of supporting the health and medical area more especially in this era of Covid-19. “The experience has taught us that there should be no geographical vacuum in addressing global health issues. Japan as a country upholding “human security” and “universal health coverage” has a conviction to leave no one’s health behind. With such belief, Japan has been cooperating with Botswana in Health sector through various schemes” he said.

Speaking at the event, UNICEF Representative Dr. Joan Matji, “It is important to highlight that at a time where the country is focusing on revitalizing Primary health care, the support from Japan will also benefit and reinforce routine immunization services to protect children against childhood diseases. A strengthened vaccination system will further contribute to ensuring that the health system is robust enough in the event of future health crises, so that children, families, and communities across Botswana can be protected”.

For his part, Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Edwin Dikoloti expressed much gratitude said, “the assistance comes at an opportune time since the Ministry is in dire need for support in the cold chain area, especially during this era of the global COVID-19 pandemic”. He added that, at the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Japan heeded the call for support by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Botswana Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi and supported the Ministry with a grant equivalent to 300 Million Japanese Yen.