DUSHANBE, November 9, 2015, Asia-Plus – Japan’s Embassy in Dushanbe says that on November 3 and 4, Ms. Chie Tamura, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe, attended three handover ceremonies in the city of Khujand and Bobojonghafourov and Jabborrasoulov districts, Sughd province.

The projects were reportedly funded in the total amount of US$274,447, through the framework of Japan’s “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGPs).”

The main objective of these projects was to improve the quality of healthcare services through providing medical equipment to a clinic and hospitals.

The handover ceremony in the Bobojonghafourov district took place on November 3, 2015.  “The Project for Provision of Medical Equipment for Central Hospital of Bobojonghafourov District” was funded in the amount of US$87,585 to decrease the maternal and child mortality by providing new equipment.  During the ceremony, Ms. Tamura spoke about the importance of GGP projects in the development of Tajikistan, and Mr. Khurshedjon Sattorov, Deputy Chairperson of the Bobojonghafourov District, expressed his appreciation for Japan’s continuous support in improving the livelihood of Tajik people.

On the same day, Ms. Tamura attended a ceremony for the completion of “The Project for Provision of Medical Equipment for Clinic №4 in Khujand City”.  After the installation of needed medical equipment the clinic can now effectively treat patients.  The project was funded in the amount of US$88,341 and Mr. Rajabboy Ahmadzoda, Mayor of Khujand City, during the ceremony congratulated with the successful completion of the project and wished the relation between Tajikistan and Japan flourish.

On the following day, November 4, Ms. Tamura visited the Jabborrasoulov district to attend the handover ceremony for “The Project for Provision of Medical Equipment to Urology Department of Regional Hospital in Ghulakandoz Jamoat, Jabborrasoulov District.”  As another GGP project, the total amount of US$98, 521 was granted to the local government of the Jabborrasoulov district in order to improve the healthcare service to patients with urological and urinary diseases in Tajikistan. Mr. Sanginmurod Hakimzoda, Chairperson of Jabborrasoulov District, on behalf of the local communities expressed the significance of these projects to the local residents and thanked Japan’s contribution to the development of the area.

The Government of Japan is dedicated to continuing its support for creating a better society for all people and committed to working together with the people of Tajikistan.

“Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project” (GGP) is a scheme within Japan’s Official Development Assistance.  GGP in particular implements grassroots-level projects in various sectors throughout the Republic of Tajikistan.  Recipients of GGP grants include local governments, educational and medical institutions, and NGOs.  As of today, GGP has supported 346 projects in Tajikistan, for which US$ 28 million has been allocated since 1996.