Japan and Palau Signed about $2.8 million Grant Aid Contract for Medical Equipment for Palau’s Response to COVID-19

   
On June 15th, 2020, His Excellency KARASAWA Akira, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan in Palau, and Honorable Faustina K. Rehuher-Marugg, Minister of State of the Republic of Palau, exchanged notes on Japan’s grant aid of up to 300 million yen (approximately $2.8 million) for the purpose of the implementation of “The Economic and Social Development Programme” (Provision of Japanese Medical Equipment) for Palau. This signing was done in the presence of Honorable Emais Roberts, Minister of Health.
 
Palau is a COVID-19 free country due to the strict border control, but its economy has been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic since tourism is the main industry of the country. Palau is limited in its health care infrastructure and facilities, and it is essential to have enough medical equipment when the country starts reopening its flight operation.
 
The project is going to provide Palau with a set of medical equipment such as radiography system and CT scanner that will  contribute to the improvement of its medical environment.
 
At the ceremony, Ambassador KARASAWA expressed his gratitude for all the people in Palau working very hard to keep the country COVID-19 free. Then, he said that Japan’s assistance aims to procure valuable medical equipment planned to be used in a long run considering how the pandemic may last in the coming months and years. He further added that Japan increased its volume of assistance due to the importance of the bilateral relationship between Japan and Palau.
 
Minister Roberts stated that this project is going to bring about a big improvement of Palau’s medical capacity and it will be a huge help for Palau for the long period.
 
Minister Marugg also commented that the assistance of the Government of Japan would ensure the safety in the medical field of Palau especially during the challenging time of COVID-19.
 
The Government of Japan has already declared the medical support to Palau through UNICEF and UNDP regarding COVID-19.