Japan gives K2 billion for Covid-19 fight

The Government of Japan has committed to provide to Malawi JPY300, 000, 000 (approximately K2 billion) for procurement of medical equipment to be used in fighting the spread of Covid-19.

Minister of Finance, Felix Mlusu, and Ambassador of Japan in Malawi Satoshi Iwakiri, signed the Exchange of Notes on the cooperation in Lilongwe on Wednesday.

Ambassador Iwakiri said the support will help in curbing the spread of Covid-19.

“This assistance will be beneficial not only to Malawians but also to all the human society, as it will prevent the spread of Covid-19 from Malawi to other parts of the world,” Iwakiri said.

He said Japan remains hopeful that Malawi together with the rest of the world will win the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

The medical equipment to be procured using this grant include Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, ultrasound scanners, bed side monitors and other high-tech medical devices.

Mlusu said the support is timely as it is coming in at a time the number of people getting infected is growing.

“Government believes that the equipment to be procured using this grant will help in the fight against the pandemic. As country, government looks back at the continued close relationship with the government and people of Japan. It is pleasing to note that the government of Japan continues to provide both financial and technical support to Malawi,” Mlusu said.

As of Tuesday, Malawi had recorded 3149 Covid-19 cases out which 1256 had recovered. There were 71 deaths recorded.-