Japan has pledged $28 million in grants to support Pakistan’s development projects, focusing on maternal health and flood management. The agreement, signed in Islamabad, highlights Japan’s continued support for Pakistan’s recovery efforts following devastating floods and its ongoing challenges in healthcare.
Background: Devastating Floods and Maternal Health Crisis
In 2022, Pakistan faced its worst flooding disaster, which:
- Claimed 1,700 lives
- Affected 33 million people
- Caused $30 billion in damages
On the healthcare front, a woman dies every 50 minutes in Pakistan due to pregnancy-related complications, as per UNFPA 2024 data. Rural areas, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), lack access to proper maternal healthcare, which has slowed progress.
Japan’s Grant Breakdown
Japan’s $28 million assistance will be allocated to two major projects:
1. Flood Management Project ($18.67 Million)
This project will focus on reducing economic losses caused by floods. Key initiatives include:
- Installation of 45 hydrological and hydraulic observation networks in KP and Punjab.
- Rehabilitation of river structures in KP to strengthen flood resilience.
- Adoption of the “Build Back Better” approach for sustainable infrastructure.
The project aims to mitigate the risks of flash floods in the Indus River and its tributaries by improving river management systems and enhancing the availability of critical data.
2. Maternal and Child Health Project ($9.91 Million)
Japan will invest nearly $10 million to improve maternal and child health (MCH) services in KP’s Hazara Division. The grant will:
- Equip 21 health facilities with essential medical equipment.
- Enhance healthcare services to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
By 2029, expected outcomes include:
- Increased institutional deliveries and caesarean sections.
- Greater access to ultrasound examinations.
These improvements will significantly reduce maternal deaths, improve healthcare quality, and ensure equitable access for vulnerable populations.
Quick Project Details
| Project | Focus Area | Investment | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flood Management | KP and Punjab | $18.67 million | Improved river structures and data |
| Maternal Health | Hazara Division (KP) | $9.91 million | Reduced maternal and neonatal mortality |
Japan’s Commitment to Pakistan
During the signing ceremony, Charge d’Affaires Takano Shuichi emphasized Japan’s commitment:
“With these two projects, Japan has almost fulfilled its pledge of $77 million made at the Geneva Conference in January 2023. I hope for the projects’ success in improving social welfare and reducing vulnerabilities.”
Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan, Naoaki Miyata, expressed confidence in the initiatives. He highlighted the projects’ role in achieving long-term goals of reducing health disparities and strengthening disaster resilience.
Additional Support for Polio Eradication
Last week, Japan announced an additional $3.1 million grant to support Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. The funds will be used to procure 20.2 million vaccine doses for campaigns scheduled next year.
Conclusion
Japan’s $28 million grant aid marks a significant step toward improving maternal health services and enhancing flood management infrastructure in Pakistan. The projects are expected to create a sustainable impact in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in vulnerable areas like Hazara Division. By focusing on disaster risk reduction and healthcare improvements, Japan reaffirms its dedication to supporting Pakistan’s recovery and development goals. This collaboration reflects a long-standing partnership aimed at building resilience and ensuring better health outcomes for future generations.