Policy Updates

Each week, Donor Tracker's team of country-based experts bring you the most important policy and funding news across issue areas in the form of Policy Updates.

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Japan provides US$8 million to support Gaza patients in Egypt

March 11, 2024 | Japan, Global Health | Share this update

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.

Press release - World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region

Japan provides US$8 million for emergency obstetric and newborn care in Timor-Leste

March 6, 2024 | Japan, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Family Planning, Global Health | Share this update

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.

Press release - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Japan commits US$42 million for food security in 15 African partner countries

February 29, 2024 | Japan, Agriculture, Global Health | Share this update

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.

Press release - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (in Japanese)

Japan provides additional US$32 million for Gaza

February 27, 2024 | Japan, Nutritious Food Systems, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Family Planning, WASH & Sanitation, Global Health | Share this update

On February 27, 2024, the Government of Japan announced an additional US$32 million in emergency grant aid for Gaza in addition to its previous contribution of US$65 million in November 2023.

The emergency grant came as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates amid continuous fighting. The funds will be used to strengthen the humanitarian response in the areas of food and health as follows:

  • US$10 million for the WFP;
  • US$10 million for the WHO;
  • US$8.5 million for UNICEF to address WASH, nutrition, and children's protection;
  • US$3 million for the IFRC and Red Crescent Societies; and
  • US$500,000 for the UNOCHA.
Press release - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

Japan provides US$1.5 billion in ODA loans to support India’s achievement of SDGs

February 20, 2024 | Japan, Gender Equality, Global Health, Climate, WASH & Sanitation | Share this update

On February 20, 2024, the Government of Japan signed an ODA loan agreements for nine projects in India, totaling US$1.5 billion to support the achievement of the SDGs.

The projects vary in scope, including promoting start-ups and innovation, developing transportation links, improving water supply systems, enhancing sustainable horticulture, strengthening the country’s climate response, and improving medical education.

The projects are expected to contribute to the achievement of SDG #1, SDG #2, SDG #3, SDG #5, SDG #6, SDG #8, SDG #9, SDG #11, SDG #13, and SDG #15.

Press release - Japan International Cooperation Agency

CDC opens regional office in Japan

February 5, 2024 | Japan, US, Global Health | Share this update

On February 5, 2024, the US CDC unveiled its new regional office for the East Asia and Pacific in Tokyo, Japan, which it described as a strategic move to enhance global health security.

This office, part of an expanding network of CDC regional offices worldwide, aims to improve the US' capacity to quickly address public health emergencies by fostering cooperation with Japan and other nations within the region. The initiative reflects Japan's and the CDC's effort to prevent, detect, and respond more effectively to health threats, leveraging partnerships and advanced technologies for threat detection and response.

The Tokyo office's establishment is particularly significant in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the vital importance of international collaboration, transparency, and reliance on scientific expertise to manage health crises. The CDC's approach through this office includes building stronger collaborations in the East Asia and Pacific region, enhancing the ability to rapidly identify and respond to public health threats, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and information among countries.

Dr. Michelle McConnell has been appointed to lead the CDC's efforts in the region. Her role will involve developing a comprehensive health security strategy, overseeing activities related to global health security, and ensuring effective collaboration with various stakeholders to advance health science and response capabilities.

This initiative is part of the CDC's broader strategy to establish a more robust global presence for tackling health security challenges. By setting up regional offices, including in Tokyo and an office in Panama in late 2024, the CDC aims to strengthen global and regional networks for a rapid and coordinated response to emerging health threats. The network is part of the global acknowledgment that disease knows no borders and highlighted the necessity for a unified international response to protect public health worldwide.

News article - The Japan TimesPress release - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Japan sets out foreign policy, development strategy in speeches to the Diet

January 30, 2024 | Japan, Global Health, Climate | Share this update

On January 30, 2024, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa laid out a strategy to strengthen Japan's role in addressing global challenges, promote sustainable development, and enhance infrastructure through strategic international cooperation and ODA.

Kamikawa emphasized Japan's commitment to a free and open international order based on the Rule of Law, amid challenges including Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. She noted that Japan aims to lead by example, advocating for peace and prosperity and ensuring that "human dignity" is protected worldwide, aligning with the core premise of the SDGs, "Leave no one behind."

Central to Japan's foreign policy is the strategic deployment of ODA to bolster its diplomatic efforts, promote human dignity, and address comprehensive global challenges including climate change, health security, and economic instability. Japan seeks to leverage ODA to enhance its global presence, contribute to international peace, and support the achievement of the SDGs, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable development and infrastructure enhancement worldwide.

Japan's foreign policy strategy underscored the importance of innovation and modern solutions in addressing international challenges. By integrating digital transformation, economic security initiatives, and modern technological solutions, Japan aims to enhance global health security frameworks, infrastructure resilience, and overall diplomatic effectiveness. This innovative approach is seen as vital for strengthening global partnerships and advancing a FOIP.

Reaffirming commitment to rule of law, Kamikawa and Kishida noted that Japan is actively engaging with international courts and organizations to strengthen the global legal framework. Through the promotion of FOIP, Japan is working with allies and like-minded countries to ensure regional and global stability, emphasizing the importance of ASEAN and Quad collaborations, and seeking constructive relationships with neighboring countries, including with China and South Korea.

The speeches marked a continuation of Japan's foreign policy approach to invest in ODA while making room for public-private partnerships to drive development around the world. The amicable and cooperative tone towards China and South Korea was welcomed by development advocates, with the hopes that regional solidarity will help address many of the ongoing major global issues.

Speech - Prime Minister's Office of JapanSpeech - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

UK - Japan 21st Century Committee set to hold 40th joint meeting

January 29, 2024 | UK, Japan, Climate, Global Health | Share this update

The UK-Japan 21st Century Committee is set to hold its 40th joint meeting from February 2-4, 2024, focusing on key topics including bilateral foreign policy, international security, climate change and energy, global health, and AI.

This event continues the tradition of high-level dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. Originally established in 1985 by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, the UK - Japan 21st Century Group, formerly known as the UK - Japan 2000 Group, serves as a vital platform for fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. Comprising leaders from the private sector, public sector, and civil society, the group’s annual conferences alternate between the UK and Japan, addressing a wide range of critical issues from educational and cultural exchange to global security and economic policies.

At the 39th joint meeting in January 2023, held at the University of East Anglia in the UK, key discussions revolved around recent political and economic developments in both countries, global health challenges post-pandemic, and the evolving security landscape, particularly in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The conference also delved into economic security, emphasizing the need for resilient supply chains and cooperation in the face of global economic disruptions. Cooperative dialogues, rooted in shared values and strategic interests, underscored the group’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the UK - Japan partnership in various global contexts.

Press release - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (in Japanese)Report - Prime Minister’s OfficeReport - 21st Century Group

Japan and UN Women celebrate women’s socioeconomic resilience project in Pakistan

January 24, 2024 | Japan, Gender Equality, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Global Health | Share this update

On January 22, 2024, UN Women and the Government of Japan celebrated the success of the Women’s Socio-Economic Resilience Project in Pakistan.

The initiative, supported by a US$2 million contribution from Japan, focused on providing essential relief and protection services to women and girls in flood-affected areas of Pakistan, enhancing their resilience and adaptability to emergencies and disasters.

The UN Women Representative in Pakistan expressed gratitude for Japan’s financial support, pivotal in efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Pakistan. The funds from the Japanese government were used for delivering essential humanitarian services, including psychosocial support, raising awareness about GBV, assistance for survivors of GBV, help with civic documentation applications, and entrepreneurship development. Relief goods supplied to women included mother kits, baby kits, and inclusion kits, underscoring the commitment to the well-being and empowerment of women and girls in challenging situations.

Pakistani Secretary of the Planning and Development Department of the Government highlighted the significance of Japan’s support during a critical time for the women and girls in the flood-affected areas. The support was crucial in providing essential services and enabling women and girls to assume leadership roles within their communities.

The Consul General of Japan in Karachi reiterated Japan’s commitment to ensuring women’s human rights and combating gender-based violence. In partnership with UN Women, Japan has focused on promoting safety, protection, and nurturing leadership and resilience among flood-affected women and girls. The collaboration is part of a long-standing global partnership between Japan and UN Women, covering various aspects such as gender equality, women’s empowerment, and disability inclusion.

Press release - Embassy of Japan in Pakistan

Japan provides US$7 million for health systems strengthening in Afghanistan

January 21, 2024 | Japan, Global Health | Share this update

On January 21, 2024, Japan signed a JPY1 billion (US$7 million) joint project agreement with the WHO to strengthen the healthcare sector in Afghanistan and enhance response capacity to address infectious diseases in referral hospitals in Afghanistan, particularly benefiting the Afghan-Japan Hospital and the National Infectious Disease Hospital in Kabul.

Afghanistan has faced a humanitarian and economic crisis, with about 40% of its population, about 17.6 million people, needing healthcare assistance. Infectious diseases are a leading cause of mortality, especially among children under five, where the death rate is alarmingly high at 63%. This situation is exacerbated by the country’s fragile health system, characterized by a lack of medical equipment and medicines in hospitals. The joint project is slated to address and mitigate the impact of these diseases on the Afghan population and is estimated to benefit more than 76,000 people.

The project is planned to focus on the provision of diagnostic equipment, medical instruments, and medicines, along with technical support for healthcare professionals at targeted hospitals, in line with UN SDG #3. Japan's involvement underlined its long-standing commitment to improving health care delivery and developing human resources within Afghanistan’s health sector.

Press release - World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean RegionPress release - Japan International Cooperation Agency

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US$ amounts are cited directly from sources; in the absence of an official conversion, they are calculated using the previous week's average of the US Federal Reserve's daily exchange rates.

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