March 20 – The Government of Japan pledged to contribute JPY 15 billion (approx. USD 136 million) to several international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), as part of its international contribution in the fight against the COVID-19. This was announced by Foreign Minister MOTEGI in the House of Councilors’ ODA Special Committee Meeting on March 19th .
Minister MOTEGI emphasized his Government’s commitment to closely collaborate with international organizations in the healthcare and public health sector such as WHO, UNICEF (UN Children’s Fund) etc. now more than ever.
Japan’s contribution to the WHO was announced by WHO Director General Dr. Tedros, at a press conference in Geneva on March 13th. During this conference, Dr. Tedros praised the Japanese government’s initiative launched by Prime Minister Abe.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, JPY 3.18 billion (USD 28.8 million) will go to UNICEF, JPY 2.63 billion (USD 23.8 million) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and JPY 2.71 billion (USD 24.6 million) to International Red Cross and Red Crescent Federation (IFRC).
