Handover Ceremony of Portable Digital X-Ray Machine under the “Project to Improve Access to Medical Imaging Diagnosis in Chisamba and Chibombo Districts, Central Province” (Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects)

On 27^th March 2025, Ambassador Takeuchi attended the handover ceremony for four portable digital X-ray machines to hospitals in Chisamba and Chibombo Districts, Central Province. The "Project to Improve Access to Medical Imaging Diagnosis in Chisamba and Chibombo Districts, Central Province" has been implemented by the Japanese NGO “ROCINANTES” since March 2024 with a grant of approximately 510,000 US dollars from the Government of Japan.
 
This project aims to improve the local residents’ access to medical imaging diagnosis by providing the state-of-the-art portable digital X-ray machines to rural medical facilities. These machines, manufactured by Japan’s Fujifilm Corporation, are compact, lightweight, rechargeable, and equipped with AI technology, allowing for efficient diagnosis even in areas with unstable power supply. Through the introduction of this technology, the project seeks to bridge the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas and promote early detection of diseases, including tuberculosis, one of the leading causes of death in Zambia.
 
The ceremony was attended by Honourable Elijah Muchima, Minister of Health, along with officials from the Ministry of Health, Provincial and District Health Offices, and medical professionals. Minister Muchima received the digital X-ray machines on behalf of the Government of Zambia and emphasised their crucial role in infectious disease control.
 
Ambassador Takeuchi expressed his confidence that the newly introduced X-ray machines would contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis and other diseases, ultimately saving many lives. He also mentioned that Japan-Zambia cooperation in the health sector is expanding within the broader framework of global health, as confirmed during President Hichilema’s visit to Japan in February  in discussions with Prime Minister Ishiba.
 
Ambassador Takeuchi concluded by expressing his deep appreciation to all stakeholders and his hope that this project will continue to support the health of many people in the future.
 
To read the speech by Ambassador Takeuchi, please click here.