MANILA – The Philippines is among the five Asian states that will benefit from a USD10 million (or approximately PHP554 million) Japanese grant that seeks to boost country preparedness against coronavirus and other emerging diseases.
The funding will be coursed through the Asia-Europe Foundation’s (ASEF) Stockpile Project for Strengthening Preparedness and Response to Covid-19 and Other Emerging Diseases, the Japanese Embassy in Manila said Thursday.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will implement the project in other Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries namely Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan.
“Japan’s support through this grant reflects its dedication to international collaboration and solidarity, especially in addressing critical health issues that affect communities across Asia and Europe,” the Embassy said on Thursday.
“The ASEF Stockpile Project serves as a testament to the ongoing partnership between Japan and the ASEF in promoting global health security and resilience,” it added.
The initiative will facilitate the procurement and distribution of essential medical equipment and supplies such as pulse-oximeters, oxygen concentrators, cold-chain equipment for vaccines and other medical devices, Covid-19 rapid testing kits, personal protective equipment, and medicines, among others.
