Japan Provides Assistance to Evangelical Association for Sustainable Development in Minya Governorate through “KUSANONE” Grant Program

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, His Excellency Mr. IWAI Fumio, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Arab Republic of Egypt, and representatives of the Evangelical Association for Sustainable Development signed a grant contract under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (“KUSANONE” project).

The Government of Japan will support this project by granting 42,268 US dollars to the Evangelical Association for Sustainable Development to provide hearing impairment testing equipment for the Nile Specialized Clinic located in Beni Ahmed Al-Sharqiya Village in Abu Qurqas District, Minya Governorate. The project aims to enhance the accuracy of hearing examinations and contribute to the early detection and appropriate treatment of hearing impairment, particularly among children in rural communities.

Beni Ahmed Al-Sharqiya Village has limited access to specialized medical services, and many people with hearing impairments face difficulties obtaining proper diagnosis and treatment due to economic and geographical barriers. The Nile Specialized Clinic, operated by the Evangelical Association for Sustainable Development, provides medical services including internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and ENT. Although the clinic conducts periodic screenings for young children to detect potential hearing problems, it lacks the specialized equipment necessary for accurate diagnosis and follow-up treatment.

Through this project, the clinic will be equipped with essential hearing diagnostic equipment, including an auditory brainstem response testing system, a pure tone audiometer, and an otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing device, as well as a soundproof audiometry booth and air-conditioning units. These improvements will enable the clinic to provide accurate hearing screening and diagnosis to approximately 300 children annually suspected of having hearing impairments, supporting timely treatment and rehabilitation.

The “KUSANONE” project is an important part of Japan’s development cooperation efforts, providing targeted financial support directly to NGOs and non-profit organizations to address local community needs. Since its inception in 1994, Japan has contributed more than USD 11 million through this scheme in Egypt. This project marks the 184th supported by the Embassy of Japan and the 40th located in Upper Egypt.

The Embassy of Japan encourages NGOs to apply for new projects under the “KUSANONE” program. For more information, please visit the Embassy’s website at:

(English) https://www.eg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/11_000001_00770.html

(Arabic) https://www.eg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ar/11_000001_00804.html