Japan donates $1 million to UNICEF to fight pandemic

JUBA, MARCH 5, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The Government of Japan has contributed 1 million U.S. dollars to UN Children’s Fund, and UNICEF in South Sudan to improve the response to COVID-19.

The money will be used to strengthen the country’s immunization information system by rolling out a digital health information system to help health workers plan vaccination supplies and track COVID-19 vaccination rates.

The immunization program targets an estimated 3.1 million people in four states Warrap, Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Central Equatoria.

An estimated 300,000 children under 1-year old will benefit. And about 600 health facilities will be equipped to implement Immunization Information Systems.

In addition, 93 cold chain facilities will be equipped with digital health software which will benefit 1,500 health workers and 250 vaccine cold chain focal persons.

“UNICEF is thankful to the Government of Japan for this crucial financial contribution. The digital health information system is essential in ensuring every eligible child and person in the four pilot states can access crucial vaccines through a strengthened health system,” said Jesper Moller, UNICEF Acting Representative in South Sudan.

Last year, Japan provided over $1 million to UNICEF South Sudan to improve cold chain management and supported the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Tsutsumi Naohiro, Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan, said: “Realizing human security, including the right to health, is one of the reasons why Japan supports South Sudan. I hope this project contributes to the capacity building of the health sector and facilitates South Sudanese people’s access to health services by utilizing Japanese taxpayers’ contribution.”