Beirut, 30 March 2020 – The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its commitment to the most vulnerable children living in Lebanon by extending its emergency aid of US2,225,000 to support UNICEF’s Health and Water Sanitation and Hygiene programmes in Lebanon. This contribution, which was disbursed earlier this month, will ensure that most disadvantaged girls, boys and young women will have access to enhanced health and immunization practices and safe drinking water and healthy environments.
This new contribution enables UNICEF to continue existing services already supported by the Government of Japan, as well as new priorities and activities in response to the impacts of COVID-19, the Beirut blast, and the exacerbating economic crisis.
“I am extremely happy that we have launched a new project in partnership with UNICEF to strengthen the provision of the most basic services, health and water, to children in Lebanon. Japan is strongly committed to extending its helping hand to those living in dire situation as a friend in need. With firm conviction that the future lies in the hands of children, Japan will continue to support them through various channels and schemes for better future of the country.” said H.E. Mr. Okubo Takeshi, Ambassador of Japan to Lebanon.
Through this funding, UNICEF will strengthen the national supply chain for routine vaccine and vaccination commodities through Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) Assessment in identified Primary Health Care facilities and vaccinators training for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) focal points. UNICEF will also ensure that the medical and vaccine waste is safely managed and disposed.
Additionally, UNICEF will provide families and children with access to water. This will be achieved through rehabilitation, replacement and possible extension of water networks that will be connected to the existing public water reservoir, break tank and connection points in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
“The Government and the people of Japan are our longtime partner substantially contributing to strengthening UNICEF’s ongoing response efforts and interventions in support of children and their families,” said Yukie Mokuo, UNICEF Representative to Lebanon. “Through Japan’s generous support during these times of immense crisis, UNICEF will be able to scale up interventions to ensure access to health, water and healthy environments to the most vulnerable girls and boys in Lebanon”.
The Government of Japan has been a consistent supporter to UNICEF in Lebanon with over US$35,000,000 contribution, particularly in the areas of the child survival agenda (WASH and Health & Nutrition) to support and to assist the most disadvantaged boys, girls and women.
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