Japan provides UNICEF 1.3 mln USD for health projects in Sierra Leone
EmailThe government of Japan has provided UNICEF 1.3 million U. S. dollars to reduce maternal and child mortality in Sierra Leone, the government said on Thursday.
The funding will be used for health knowledge among communities, hygiene promotion and mosquito net distribution to the vulnerable across the country.
Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, UNICEF representative in Sierra Leone Mahimbo Mdoe said UNICEF appreciates the government of Japan for their continuous support in helping to combat the infant mortality rate in Sierra Leone, which is rated among the highest in the world.
He said, "UNICEF has received 20 million dollars from the government of Japan over the years to support education and water sanitation, these funds have been used in the promotion of hygiene education in schools."
Japanese diplomat in Sierra Leone Keiich Katakami said he was honored to sign exchange notes between the Embassy of Japan and UNICEF on a project that focuses on prevention and control of infectious diseases in the West African country.
He said "the grant will be utilized for the ultimate goal of the project to contribute to the reduction of child and maternal mortality by one third by 2010 adding that participation of care givers community members is one of the vital elements for the success of the project."
"I wish to assure UNICEF and the government of Sierra Leone that our mission to bring health and long life to the people of Sierra Leone will prevail, and the grant will be effectively utilized," he said.
