The Ministry of Health of Ukraine continues to work closely with the Government of Japan and Japanese government institutions to support and restore the healthcare sector. Priority areas include the purchase of special equipment for Ukrainian healthcare institutions, projects to exchange experience in emergency medical care, rehabilitation and counteracting the spread of antimicrobial resistance, and humanitarian assistance.
At a meeting between Minister of Health Viktor Liashko and Deputy Minister Maria Karchevych with Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Shohei Hara, representatives of the JICA Office and the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, the parties discussed key areas of cooperation in the coming period.
“The enemy continues its horrific aggression, destroying hospitals and taking the lives of innocent people, including medical workers. Most recently, the whole world has witnessed a horrific rocket attack on the National Children’s Hospital Okhmatdyt. We are grateful to the people of Japan for their reliable support of our country. I believe that our systematic cooperation will only get stronger and continue,” said Health Minister Viktor Liashko.
Currently, thanks to the cooperation with Japanese partners, diagnostic systems (magnetic resonance and computed tomography devices) are being supplied to healthcare institutions. There are also 10 endoscopic imaging systems being purchased and 20 special neurosurgical microscopes are planned to be delivered. As part of its humanitarian aid, Japan donated 20 vehicles and 5 portable ultrasound machines to Ukraine for medical institutions in Kharkiv region.
Near-term plans for joint work with Japan include the purchase of additional equipment for medical facilities and support for rehabilitation and mental health. Japan’s leadership in supporting Ukraine is an inspiration to many of our partners, including those in the Global South. Cooperation is growing closer as we share a common vision of the goal of saving lives and health.