Japan assistance

The Foreign Ministry said Tuesday the grant aid will be used to secure cold-storage facilities, transport vehicles and other equipment necessary for the stable delivery of vaccines in those countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, according to the ministry.

Japan aims to help ensure the delivery of vaccines "to each and every person in the all corners of developing countries" with the hope of containing the coronavirus pandemic as quickly as possible, it said, adding the aid will be delivered through the United Nations Children's Fund.

Notes to formalize Japan's assistance were signed and exchanged today between Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Independent State of Samoa, Terasawa Genichi at the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Exchange of Notes confirms a grant valued at 150 million JPY (approximately 1.38 million USD) that will assist with the procurement of a range of much needed latest medical equipment such as defibrillators, C-arm and electrocardiograms, to name a few.

The new equipment will replace old machines funded by Japan in 2001.

The printers will allow for the mass production of material to improve access to school curricula and teaching resources as well as examination papers.

Samoa and Japan have signed a number of grant aid agreements in the past to assist in various sectors including water and sanitation infrastructure.