In a significant move aimed at bolstering medical assistance to critically ill patients from the Gaza Strip, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Japan have inked an $8 million grant agreement. This collaborative effort, signed on March 10, 2024, stands as a testament to international solidarity in addressing urgent humanitarian needs.
The agreement, formalized by Ambassador OKA Hiroshi of Japan to Egypt and Dr. Nima Abid, WHO Representative in Egypt, underscores a commitment to enhancing the Egyptian health system’s capacity to accommodate medical evacuees from Gaza. The signing ceremony was graced by dignitaries including Dr Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, Egypt; Dr Hossam Abdelghaffar, Assistant to the Minister of Health and Population for Institutional Reform, Egypt; and Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.
Under this agreement, WHO will collaborate closely with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population to fortify referral hospitals with essential medicines, medical supplies, and equipment. Moreover, capacity-building initiatives for healthcare professionals will be implemented to ensure the delivery of life-saving emergency care to patients in need.
Dr. Balkhy expressed profound gratitude for the support extended by Egypt in accommodating critically ill patients from Gaza, while, now emphasizing the pivotal role of Japan’s generous funding in sustaining quality healthcare services for these individuals.
“WHO is extremely grateful for the support provided by Egypt in accommodating critically ill patients from the Gaza Strip for treatment. Now, with this generous funding from the Government of Japan – a long-standing donor to WHO – we will be better able to support Egypt in ensuring continued, quality health care to critically ill and injured patients from the Gaza Strip,” said Dr Balkhy.
The project will primarily concentrate on designated referral pathways and receiving facilities across various governorates in Egypt. From North Sinai to Greater Cairo, these facilities will be equipped to provide comprehensive care to evacuated patients.
Dr. Hossam Abdelghaffar emphasized the significance of the agreement in supporting Egypt’s healthcare system. He highlighted provisions including medical supplies, surgical tools, and capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing medical staff expertise.
Significantly, Egypt’s commitment to providing medical assistance to Gaza dates back to November 2023, with a focus on offering free-of-charge treatments to those in need. Japan’s involvement underscores its pivotal role as a longstanding partner in WHO’s endeavors, with significant contributions totaling nearly $160 million since 2016.
Dr. Al-Mashat commended the partnership as a manifestation of Egypt’s enduring support for Palestinians in Gaza, echoing President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi’s directives.
