THE Philippines is among the five Asian nations set to receive $10 million (approximately P554 million) in Japanese grant earmarked to strengthen country’s preparedness against COVID-19 and other “emerging diseases.’’
The funds will be coursed through the Asia-Europe Foundation’s (ASEF) Stockpile Project for Strengthening Preparedness and Response to COVID-19 and Other Emerging Diseases, the Japanese Embassy in Manila said Thursday.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will implement the project in other member-countries of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM); namely, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan.
“Japan’s support through this grant reflects its dedication to international collaboration and solidarity, especially in addressing critical health issues that affect communities across Asia and Europe,” the Japanese Embassy said.
“The ASEF Stockpile Project serves as a testament to the on-going partnership between Japan and the ASEF in promoting global health security and resilience,” it added.
The grant was meant to facilitate the procurement and distribution of essential medical equipment and supplies such as pulse-oximeters, oxygen concentrators, cold-chain equipment for vaccines and other medical devices, COVID rapid testing kits, personal protective equipment, and medicines, among others.