Handover Ceremony for the ‘The Project for Strengthening Immunization Programs in Pacific Islands Countries (UNICEF/WHO)

On September 4^th, 2025, a handover ceremony was held at Palau National Hospital for cold-chain equipment (refrigerators, remote temperature monitors etc.) provided by the Government of Japan under the ‘The Project for Strengthening Immunization Programs in Pacific Islands Countries (UNICEF/WHO)’. The ceremony was attended by Hon. Raynold Oilouch, Vice President and the Minister of Health and Human Services, H.E. ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, Mr. Cromwell Bacareza, Chief of UNICEF North Pacific Office, and many other hospital staffs.

Vaccines require careful temperature management, presenting a challenge for Palau in delivering them to remote island communities. The cold chain equipment provided enables vaccines to be transported for extended periods whilst preserving their quality. Thereby, enhancing vaccination rates and the Palau people’s trust in their healthcare services.

In his speech, Ambassador Orikasa highlighted Japan’s longstanding contribution towards strengthening Palau’s medical and health service sector, and emphasized that “to further enhance the effectiveness, the implementation of community-based support and donor coordination is necessary.” He continued that the goal of development assistance is always to support the community, and affirmed Japan’s continued cooperation with the Government of Palau, international organizations, and other donors.

This project was signed in January 2021 and was implemented over four-year period until January 2025. The government of Japan has contributed US$7,260, 920 to the project.