On August 1, 2024, second secretary Nishimura Tokiko represented the embassy of Japan in the Philippines during the official turnover of a mobile X-ray machine to the Center for Health Innovations and Solutions (CHSI, Inc.) and the City of Olongapo, Zambales.
Titled “The Project for the Provision of a Portable Chest X-Ray Machine for Olongapo City,” this project was approved in 2023 under the Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP), one of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) schemes.
In Olongapo City, the number of tuberculosis (TB) screenings has decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic, hindering the city’s TB prevention and treatment measures, especially among high-risk groups, including indigenous people such as the Aetas. Moreover, due to economic disparity, the Aeta community has limited access to medical services in the city.
As a remedial measure, the embassy of Japan provided a grant of USD 87,756, or approximately P4.94 million, to the Manila-based NGO CHSI, Inc. to procure a mobile X-ray machine for Olongapo City. With the new mobile X-ray machine from Fujifilm Philippines Inc., the city will be able to conduct active TB case finding and provide comprehensive healthcare services to the Aeta community and the urban poor.
In her message, Nishimura acknowledged how the public-private partnership of this project sets an excellent example of delivering speedy and remarkable results. She also expressed hope that the use of the new X-ray machine would contribute to the Philippines’ efforts to end TB.
Japan is the top ODA donor to the Philippines, and this year marks the 70th anniversary of ODA. The government of Japan launched the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects in the Philippines in 1989 to reduce poverty and support various communities in grassroots activities. To date, 562 grassroots projects have been implemented under the GGP. Japan believes that these projects will strengthen the friendship between Japan and the Philippines and contribute to sustaining strategic partnerships between the two countries.
