On July 1, in Recife, Pernambuco State, Federal Republic of Brazil, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) reached an agreement with the Brazilian government on the implementation framework for the technical cooperation project titled “Project to Promote and Improve Health Services for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities,” and signed the Record of Discussions (Record of Discussions: R/D). The signing ceremony took place between Gilda Cavalcanti, Director of the Pernambuco State Department of Health, and Akihiro Miyazaki, Director of the JICA Brazil Office.
Scene from the signing ceremony (Photo courtesy of the Pernambuco State Department of Health, 2026)
This project contributes to the realization of “human security” by establishing a system that ensures all people, including those with disabilities, have access to appropriate health services. Through cooperation that provides integrated support for institutional development, human resource development, and the strengthening of service delivery systems, Japan promotes sustainable national development in which no one is left behind within society or organizations, and all people can play an active role as members of society. This cooperation holds multifaceted significance: enhancing Japan’s international standing by contributing to the global challenge of disability inclusion (i.e., building a society in which people with disabilities can participate alongside others); strengthening bilateral relations; sharing Japan’s expertise internationally; and applying the insights gained through this cooperation to Japan itself.
The business overview is as follows.
Project to Promote and Improve Health Services for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities
The Project to Promote and Improve Health Services for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
・Country (Target Region)
Federative Republic of Brazil (State of Pernambuco)
・Business Objectives
This project involves developing a plan for a pilot project in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders—including people with disabilities, government officials, and healthcare professionals—and to establish a mechanism (RCPD) that facilitates access to health services while taking into account the functional limitations of people with disabilities. It will also establish a system for collecting information on people with disabilities and enhance the capacity of relevant stakeholders to provide appropriate health services. Furthermore, through these activities, the project will lay the groundwork for the smooth operation of the RCPD and ultimately contribute to strengthening its implementation in the state of Pernambuco.
・Scheduled Implementation Period
48 months
・Implementing Agency
Pernambuco State Department of Health
・Contributing to the SDGs
Goal 3 (Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all)
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