Humanitarian cooperation

Japan to extend Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects Program in Belarus

MINSK, 20 February (BelTA) -  Japan will extend the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program in Belarus, Charge d'Affaires of Japan to Belarus Hiroki Tokunaga said as he spoke at a meeting in the Humanitarian Affairs Department of the Belarus President Property Management Directorate, BelTA has learned.

The department hosted a ceremony to sign contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program. The Japanese Embassy launched the program in Belarus in 2004 to help the Chernobyl accident victims. Until now grunts were allocated only to healthcare institutions. This time grants have been issued to a school and a social service center.

For example, Gomel Regional Clinical Oncology Center will use the $75,300 grant to purchase ultrasound equipment. The Territorial Social Services Center of Vitebsk District has received a grant of $26,000 to acquire a vehicle to transport passengers with disabilities. Secondary school No. 2 of the town of Stolin will acquire street workout equipment for $8,400. All in all, the Japanese government has allocated $109,789 in grants.

“The goal of the program in Belarus is to mitigate the Chernobyl impact. Thanks to the program the hospitals in all regions of Belarus have received more than 200 units of equipment. The embassy officials have tkaen efforts to expand the program beyond healthcare. As a result we got the projects approved in other areas, which will contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Supply of medical equipment and improving medical services remain an important priority for the country. Therefore we will continue to support medical projects,” the Japanese diplomat said.

Hiroki Tokunaga stressed that since 2004 Japan has implemented 48 projects worth over $3.8 million. “Some of the projects are small. However, the goal of the program is to facilitate the implementation of various projects that will benefit ordinary Belarusians. We will continue to stick to this goal. I am confident that these projects as a whole will help strengthen close relations between our countries,” the diplomat said.

“Japan is extremely interested in boosting ties with Belarus, and the government will continue the GGP program in Belarus,” Hiroki Tokunaga said.

Director of the Humanitarian Affairs Department at the Belarus President Property Management Directorate Valery Skakun expressed gratitude to Japan for assistance to Chernobyl victims and the GGP program. He expressed confidence in the further efficient development of the Belarusian-Japanese cooperation.

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