UNICEF Project supported by the Government of Japan - Finalization Workshop for Palau SMS Reminder System -

Mr. Nishio, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, participated in the Palau SMS Reminder System Finalization Workshop, held on January 20 and 21, 2025. This workshop is part of the UNICEF initiative, called “Project for Strengthening Immunization in Pacific Island Countries,” with the financial assistance from the Government of Japan starting from 2021 and 2025.

Covering Palau, Fiji, Kiribati, FSM, and RMI, this project aims to improve cold chain maintenance and provide basic immunization training.

The workshop represented a major advancement in healthcare accessibility in Palau. The event highlighted the approach of using SMS function to enhance prenatal and immunization care through timely and automated reminders.

During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to observe the system in action through a series of role-playing exercises, which demonstrated its practical use and efficiency. The system is designed to send reminders to users one week before their scheduled appointments and again one day prior, ensuring they are informed and prepared. These features aim to reduce missed appointments and promote better health outcomes across Palau.

The SMS Reminder System is set to officially launch on March 17, 2025, making it accessible to everyone. While this UNICEF project concluded last month, the Embassy of Japan looks forward to seeing its positive impact on communities.