Japan donates to Kyrgyzstan respiratory masks worth over USD 115 thsd

Bishkek, Oct. 23, 2020. /Kabar/. Japan handed over to Kyrgyzstan respiratory masks for the total amount of $115,814. According to the press service of the Japanese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, a ceremony of handing over N95 respiratory masks worth $115,814 to the National Center for Phthisiology of the Kyrgyz Health Ministry with participation of Director of the National Phthisiology Center Bolot Maikanayev, representatives of the Japanese Embassy and UNDP in Kyrgyzstan. These masks were purchased within the “Supporting an Inclusive and Multi-Sectoral Response to COVID-19 and Addressing its Socio-Economic Impact in the Kyrgyz Republic” project, finance by the Government of Japan with an estimate cost of $1.2 million. This project aims to expand UNDP’s COVID-19 response and support measures to combat the consequences of the pandemic in Kyrgyzstan. “The rapid spread of COVID-19 infections is increasingly worsening again in Kyrgyzstan every day, so it is necessary to prepare for a re-expansion to winter time,” Japanese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Shigeki Maeda said. “Based on this recognition, Japan endorses the UNDP’s initiative and has decided to contribute $ 1.2 million to projects to strengthen the healthcare system, prevent social and economic instability, and promote employment. Japan will continue to work in cooperation with international organizations to overcome the corona crises,” he added. “We will implement a range of activities to strengthen the healthcare system as well as address socioeconomic challenges imposed by the coronavirus in Kyrgyzstan. Our goal is to help the country develop the nation’s resilience to counter the multi-faceted effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises in the future,” said Louise Chamberlain, the UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic.