The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Grant Agreement (G/A) with the Government of the Republic of Madagascar on August 11 in Antananarivo for a grant of up to 1,143 million yen for the “Medical Equipment Improvement Project for Regional Core Hospital.
In Madagascar, in addition to the number of deaths from infectious diseases, the number of deaths from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is also increasing, with stroke becoming the leading cause of death in recent years.
University hospitals (22) and prefectural hospitals (16), which are positioned as regional core medical institutions, are not equipped with sufficient medical facilities for precision examinations, especially in rural areas, due to a lack of medical materials and equipment and aging facilities. For patients in rural areas to visit a hospital in the Tokyo metropolitan area involves a long travel time and a financial burden. As a result, patients are unable to receive adequate testing and treatment. Improving access to medical care, including strengthening the system for early detection and treatment of various diseases, including NCDs, is an urgent issue.
This project aims to strengthen diagnostic and treatment systems and improve access to medical care by providing medical equipment to seven core hospitals in four major regional cities in Madagascar. This will contribute to the improvement of medical services in rural Madagascar and contribute to SDG Goal 3 (health and welfare for all).
© Source JICA