On Wednesday, the Government of Japan and UNICEF announced a new partnership which aims at providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable children and families in the Governorates of North Sinai and Ismailia.
The Government of Japan has contributed 90 million yen (approximately 833,333 US Dollars) toward education, health, nutrition assistance as well as protection services.
In a statement, Ambassador of Japan to the Arab Republic of Egypt, H.E. Mr. OKA Hiroshi, underlined, “Coping with the unprecedented “human security” crisis caused by COVID-19 and the war on Ukraine, we must work together to minimize its negative impacts so that all individuals can live with dignity."
He continued: "Globally, Japan is committed to working together with international partners and stakeholders to bring about a more inclusive and more resilient society that leaves no one behind."
"We will continue to provide nutritional and health assistances for socially vulnerable people especially those who are living in the remote areas such as North Sinai and Ismailia,” the Japanese Ambassador noted.
In turn, Mr. Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, said: “The contribution from the Government of Japan is instrumental in our joint efforts to address the adverse impact of the Ukraine crisis on vulnerable children and communities living in Egypt,”
He added: "Remarkable progress in combating undernutrition in Egypt has been made with a decrease in the rates of stunting, wasting, underweight and overweight among under five children by 2021; on the other hand, anemia among under five children has nearly doubled by 2021. And we are concerned that the soaring food prices will compromise the food security and nutrition for families and their children."
The one- year project will reach nearly 52,000 people in North Sinai and Ismailia with child protection services as well as quality health and nutrition interventions through well-trained health workers and equipped primary health care units.
This includes the enhancement of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in healthcare facilities through better access, improved infection prevention training and distribution of essential supplies.
The interventions will boost ongoing efforts to strengthen effective healthcare services as well as routine immunization. On a parallel front, health workers will be supported through essential training workshops on nutrition and wasting prevention.
With Japan’s generous contribution, UNICEF will engage communities on the importance of proper nutrition as well as tackling misinformation. Healthcare workers will also be provided technical support in using digital tools to advance the reporting and monitoring.
UNICEF will also be working with the Ministry of Social Solidarity to provide the needed support to children at risk as well as those who have experienced issues with counseling and case management services.
This project continues the strong partnership Japan has with UNICEF, established since 2019, to improve the lives of all children and their families living in North Sinai and Ismailia.
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