Grant Assistance to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela: Signing and Exchange of Notes on “The Project for Strengthening Immunization Programme”

Countries: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Japan Source: Government of Japan On August 28 (local time: August 27), in New York, where the headquarters of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is located, Mr. YAMAZAKI Kazuyuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, and Ms. Mandeep O’Brien, Director for Public Partnerships and Resource Mobilization at UNICEF, signed and exchanged notes concerning Japan’s grant aid of 543 million Japanese yen to Venezuela for the “Project for Strengthening Immunization Programme”. The signing and exchange were held in the presence of H. E. Mrs. Coromoto Godoy Calderón, Permanent Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Nations. In Venezuela, the prolonged political and economic crisis has severely debilitated the health system, raising serious concerns about the health of pregnant and postpartum women and infants. The earthquake of magnitude over 7 that struck in last June further worsened the humanitarian situation, making it an urgent priority to improve sanitary conditions and strengthen the immunization system to protect the lives of mothers and children. As part of efforts to expand immunization coverage in Venezuela, this project will provide essential vaccines and syringes, construct vaccine storage warehouses equipped with walk-in cold rooms, and strengthen the capacity of health workers in maintaining and managing the equipment provided. This cooperation will ensure vaccine quality control and expand vaccination opportunities for pregnant and postpartum women and children, thereby helping to reduce the incidence of infectious diseases and the risk of death. Guided by the concept of human security, Japan intends to continue assistance for people’s livelihoods that directly benefits the people of Venezuela. In response to the recent earthquake, Japan has stated it will work closely with international organizations and partners to deliver the necessary support. Taking into account the current situation in Venezuela, this cooperation will contribute to the country’s stability through continued livelihood assistance, and is also expected to promote Universal Health Coverage, which Japan has long championed. (Reference) Basic Data on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela covers an area of 910, 000 square kilometers (about 2. 4 times that of Japan), a population of approximately 28. 52 million (World Bank, 2025), and a gross national income (GNI) per capita of US$3, 860 (World Bank, 2025)

Read full story on Reliefweb