The grant was handed over to the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, to prosecute health programmes aimed at enhancing well-being of Nigerian child, especially routine immunisation and disease prevention.
Speaking at the signing of the agreement in Abuja, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ruichi Shoji, said his country had joined in the efforts to reduce child killer diseases in Nigeria since 2000.
He said: “Japan’s accumulated financial contribution to the fight against polio, malaria and other infectious diseases in Nigeria is so far more than eight billion yen, approximately N13 billion at the current exchange rate.
“Today, I am absolutely honoured to be here once again to reaffirm Japan’s commitment to stand by the Federal Government of Nigeria in its fight against polio to the end, by signing the Exchange of Notes of 259 million Yen, which is equivalent to N443 million.
“In relation to infectious diseases in Nigeria, Japan also contributes to the malaria prevention programme in Nigeria by providing $2.5 million through UNICEF this year.
“In addition, earlier this week, Japan signed a grant with the National Planning Commission to provide N440 million to donate wheelchairs and walking support wheels for the welfare of those who require mobility aid.”
Responding, UNICEF Deputy Representative and Officer in Charge, UNICEF Nigeria, Mr. Jacques Boyer, said the support from Japan remained the most valuable contribution to joint efforts to give every Nigerian child a chance to survive.
Urging Nigeria to tackle existing challenges in its child healthcare programmes headlong, the agency noted the grant would help in fighting child killer diseases in the country.
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