Phnom Penh: As a part of the efforts of the Government of Japan to counter COVID-19 infections worldwide, Japan announced last month that it would be providing the Kingdom of Cambodia with approximately 300,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine that had been validated by WHO EUL and manufactured in Japan.
These vaccines arrived in Cambodia on 19 December. The decision to provide these vaccines was made in light of the friendship between Japan and Cambodia and the current situation in the world, especially the emergence of the new variant of COVID-19.
This donation, from the Government of Japan to the Royal Government of Cambodia, has been made in collaboration with the COVAX facility supported by UNICEF and WHO.
Considering the unprecedented spread of this infectious disease during the current phase of the pandemic, vaccination, the strengthening of healthcare systems and the improvement of medical care are essential. During the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Japanese Government pledged to double its contribution of vaccines, from approximately 30 million to approximately 60 million.
In addition to this, Japan has also pledged to contribute 1 billion USD to the COVAX Facility. Within the context of bilateral cooperation to tackle COVID-19, the Japanese Government, with the help of our partners UNICEF and JICA, has provided assistance such as the donation of medical equipment, the renovation of hospitals, support for infection prevention measures at borders, and the supply of cold chain equipment.
The Japanese Government has also provided a loan of approximately 227 million USD, which is being used to provide financial support to people affected by the pandemic and to strengthen the healthcare system.
Japan will continue to cooperate with the Royal Government of Cambodia to ensure the provision of necessary goods and equipment. We hope this donation will support the Royal Government of Cambodia’s efforts to tackle COVID-19 effectively and help to relieve some of the worries of the people living in Cambodia.
Source: Embassy of Japan in Cambodia
