Contract Signing Ceremony with Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association (JATA) for the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects by the Government of Japan (Strengthening access to quality of integrated TB prevention, management in high TB/HIV burden community in Lusaka, Zambia, Phase Two)

          On 5th March 2020, H.E. Mr. MIZUUCHI Ryuta, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia and Ms. MATSUOKA Yuko, Resident Representative of JATA (Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association), a Japanese NGO, signed a grant contract, amounting to up to 569,651 US dollars, for the implementation of the project titled “Strengthening access to quality of integrated TB prevention, management in high TB/HIV burden community in Lusaka, Zambia” (Phase Two), under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects.

          Through this Phase Two of the project, JATA aims to ensure installation of two GeneXpert machines at the Mtendere Health Center (HC) and the Chelstone HC, as well as maintenance of the donated digital X-ray machine in Kalingalinga HC and provision of maintenance trainings. Trainings will be conducted for local TB volunteers who work on community sensitizations and patient supports for TB/HIV. Simultaneously, JATA will further promote agricultural skills through trainings and a revolving loan programme for volunteers who will serve JATA’s activities in a sustainable manner.

          In further implementing the Phase Two of the project, it is expected that the seven public health facilities in Chelstone and Chipata Sub-districts will enhance their capability on TB prevention, early diagnosis and care and support to TB patients, and further expected that local communities will deepen their understandings on TB/HIV through community sensitization and patient support activities by TB volunteers.

          It is hoped that the JATA’s project will further enhance Zambia’s efforts toward promotion of Universal Health Coverage by supporting the government to strengthen its programmatic and prompt response to various infectious diseases including TB.
 
          Note:  To read the speech by Ambassador Mizuuchi at this ceremony, please click here.