Japan invests $8 million in support of most vulnerable children and women in Syria

DAMASCUS, 16 March 2025 — The Government of Japan has signed a new agreement with UNICEF of nearly $8 million in support of most vulnerable children and women in Syria. Through this funding, UNICEF will enable approximately 250,000 children and women to benefit from improved access to primary health-care centres, including nutrition services and supplies.

“This programme will enable most vulnerable children and women in Rural Damascus to benefit from improved health and nutrition services,” said Mr. Yasumasa Kimura, Representative, UNICEF in Syria.  “We highly value our partnership with the Government of Japan, and their support plays a critical role in advancing our goal of strengthening inclusive and quality health and nutrition systems.”

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, this funding will provide maternal and paediatric health care through rehabilitated centres, prioritising women’s access to essential health services. The programme will strengthen the capacity of health workers and enhance community outreach through awareness campaigns, promoting hygiene practices, increasing immunisation demand, and improving newborn care.

Nutrition interventions will focus on screening and treating malnutrition in children and pregnant and lactating women, providing essential supplements, and delivering counselling services.
 

The initiative will also focus on rehabilitating water facilities to benefit around 250,000 people with improved access to safe quality water and sanitation services. It will also enable an estimated 170,000 students to access quality education in an equitable way, while more than 6,000 adolescents and young people will build their capacity for meaningful participation in their society.

These interventions will also promote sustainable behaviour change by enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and practices within communities. It will also enable adolescents and young people to contribute to their nation-building efforts.

“This support comes at a critical time, which presents us with a historic opportunity for positive change and much hope for children and their families,” added Mr. Kimura. “It will drive critical improvements in strengthening quality services including health and nutrition, water, and education for the most vulnerable children, adolescents, and women.”
 

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