Japan to provide blood vehicle to Afzaal Memorial Thalassaemia Foundation

Agreement signed between Japanese consul-general and foundation's chief executive

Under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme, the Japanese government has extended a grant of $25,569 to the Afzaal Memorial Thalassaemia Foundation (AMTF) for the provision of a blood donation vehicle.

An agreement was signed on Tuesday at the residence of the Japanese consul-general in Karachi for the grant. Consul-General Toshikazu Isomura and ATMF Chief Executive Dr Asim Qidwai signed the agreement. AMTF Executive Director Ateequr Rehman was also present at the ceremony.

The grant covers the transportation cost of a second hand blood donation vehicle from Tokyo to Karachi. It also covers the cost of reconditioning.



Many patients who are diagnosed with blood diseases cannot be properly treated due to lack of blood available for those people. The project is aimed to benefit such patients as well as create awareness about the importance of blood donation.

The grant will be issued under the recycling grant scheme, which utilises used but valuable vehicles by bearing the cost of reconditioning and transportation. The second hand vehicle is donated by the Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Japanese consul-general expressed hope that the vehicle would improve health services in Karachi. He also called for further strengthening friendly ties between Japan and Pakistan.

Under the GGP scheme, Japan has funded as many as 360 projects in Pakistan since 1989.