JAPAN PROVIDES 2.4 BILLION KWACHA TO JAPANESE NGO IN ZAMBIA

 

 

On 12th October 2011, the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Akio EGAWA, signed on behalf of the Government of Japan, a grant contract with Mr. Takashi Ashida, Representative of Association for Aid and Relief, Japan (AAR Japan) in Zambia, under the Japanese Grant Assistance for Japanese NGOs scheme.

The contract, amounting to 494,901 United States dollars, or approximately 2.4 billion Zambian Kwacha, was signed with AAR Japan to facilitate the implementation of the Community-based Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Prevention Project Phase 3 to be run by the organization in Chipapa Area, Kafue District in Lusaka Province. The grant will contribute to the enhancement of the organization’s efforts in building people’s capacity in planning and implementing HIV/AIDS prevention and care through the project.

From 2009 to 2011, AAR Japan implemented Phases 1 and 2 of the same project which The Embassy of Japan also supported with the assistance amounting to approximately 600,000 United States dollars. During the Phases 1 and 2, AAR Japan has successfully identified and trained community groups which provide grass-root services for HIV/AIDS prevention and care for people living with the disease. Bearing these facts in mind, the Government of Japan, upon the request from AAR Japan, has decided to extend financial assistance to the organization to enable it to continue the Project. In Phase 3 of the Project, AAR Japan will endeavor to further strengthen the capacity of the community, as well as constructing a much-needed Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center and Information Center which community people can utilize not only for receiving HIV counseling & testing services but also for dissemination of health information and youth activities.

Japan is faced with unprecedented challenges caused by the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck the eastern part of Japan earlier this year. However, the Japanese nation is now all united together and we are now on a steady path towards recovery and reconstruction. I would like to take this opportunity to express the sincere gratitude of the Government and people of Japan for the kind sympathy shown by numerous organisations and individuals in Zambia. Despite the current situation, the Government of Japan remains committed to cooperating with Zambia for the enhancement of the economic and social development of the country.

It is hoped that the activities being undertaken by AAR Japan will continuously contribute towards the well-being of the vulnerable people in Zambia thereby further contributing to the strengthening of the cordial relations that exist between Japan and Zambia.


To read speech by Ambassador Egawa at this ceremony, please click here.

 


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