APIA (SAMOA OBSERVER) – Samoa stands to benefit from $4.5 million ((US$1.8 million) in terms of medical equipment courtesy of the Government of Japan.
It follows notes signed and exchanged between the Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Maugaoleatuolo Shinya Aoki and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi Thursday.
Held at the Office of the Prime Minister, the notes formalised Japan’s commitment and contribution to promote economic and social development efforts of Samoa through the health sector.
The money given as a grant under Japan’s Grant Aid Assistance will enable the procurement of a much-needed range of medical equipment for the health sector.
“It is expected that this Grant Aid Assistance will assist in achieving an advance national development framework of Samoa which is included in its Strategy for the Development of Samoa (SDS) 2016/17-2019/20 the core focus to strengthening the health system capacity and sustainability of a healthy Samoa,” a statement issued by Japan said.
“The procurement and installation of the equipment as well as related technical assistance for the maintenance of the equipment will be the main scope of the grant assistance.
“Moreover, this Grant Aid Assistance is based on the prioritized areas of Japan’s assistance and was declared by the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe at the bilateral summit meeting prior to the Eight Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8) in May of this year.
“This will be the second project in the health sector provided under the grant aid, in addition to the dental equipment donated earlier in February of this year and a dental mobile vehicle soon to be received for the promotion of economic and social development,”
