Addis Ababa, October 27, 2021 (FBC) – The government of Japan handed over Syringe Pumps and Portable X-Ray Machines worth 13.6 Million Birr to the Ministry of Health in a bid to contain expansion of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.
The Government of Japan and the Ministry of Health jointly organized the handover ceremony of 100 Syringe Pumps and Portable X-ray Machines to be installed to hospitals and medical universities of 10 regions, Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.
The Government of Japan and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia signed an Exchange of Notes for the Grant Aid for the Procurement of Health and Medical Equipment (“The Economic and Social Development Programme”) which is worth 13.6 million USD or 478 million Birr.
The Coronavirus has been spreading in Ethiopia posing an urgent need to strengthen the health system, so that the country can prevent further spread of the virus.
During the handover ceremony, Ambassador Japan to Ethiopia ITO Takako explained that the supplies will be transported to 10 regions, Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa City Administration and installed to the designated hospitals and university hospitals.
She said the support will contribute to further reinforcing the fight against infectious diseases in Ethiopia, including COVID-19, and strengthening the health care system.
“The health sector is one of Japan’s priorities in terms of support for Ethiopia, and as a friend of this great country, it is our pleasure to be able to contribute to the health and well-being of the Ethiopian people”, Ambassador ITO added.
Concluding her remarks, Ambassador ITO hoped that “this handover ceremony will be another opportunity to further deepen friendship between the peoples of Japan and Ethiopia”.
The handover of medical equipment is a continuation of the August 2019 Yokohama TICAD 7 commitments to expand Universal Health Coverage in Africa.