Japan to give more than $2 million to Pakistan as assistance in fight against COVID-19

Japan will give Pakistan $2.16 million as assistance in the fight against the novel coronavirus.

A statement said that Japan has decided to give a grant of $1,620,000 through The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and USD 540,000 through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to Pakistan.

"This support will boost Pakistan’s capacity to quickly track the coronavirus affected persons and treat them accordingly."

"This assistance will reduce and delay the transmission of COVID-19, to minimize serious disease due to COVID-19 and reduce associated deaths, to ensure ongoing health services during epidemic peak periods and to minimize the socio-economic impact," added the statement.

The funds will be used to provide the necessary equipment and material to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and technical assistance on the ground at the request of the Pakistani government.

The Japanese ambassador, Matsuda Kuninori, also commended the efforts of the Pakistani government and its people in the fight against the pandemic.

"The Government of Japan always stands with Pakistan to fight against such viruses, referring to Japanese Assistance of 229 Million USD in total provided to Pakistan for polio eradication since 1996. Simultaneously the Government of Japan would like to cooperate with the Government of Pakistan to fight against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection."