Tag Archives: Japan

Zim set to benefit from Japan’s development experiences

Happy moments…Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Shinichi Yamanaka, shares a lighter moment with Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, during the former’s courtesy call

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Zimbabwe is set to benefit from Japanese development experiences when Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Special Adviser, Dr Shinichi Kitaoka, gives a lecture to Parliamentarians and Senators during his scheduled visit next month.

This was revealed by the Japanese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency  Shinichi Yamanaka, when he paid a courtesy call on Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda at New Parliament Building in Mount Hampden on Friday.

Ambassador Yamanaka said Dr Kitaoka’s lecture titled “Japan’s Development Journey”, will be delivered on October 8.

“Objectives of the lecture are to share information on Japan’s development experience, to identify lessons from Japan, for developing countries in Africa and to exchange ideas on development opportunities and paths for Africa.”

His Excellency Yamanaka further said that “we hope this lecture will contribute for the Sustainable Development of Zimbabwe based upon the past experiences of Japan.

“After the World War 2, we had a very difficult situation but we achieved and developed so maybe we can give some lessons to Zimbabwean people and Parliamentarians.”

The impending lecture is said to have been culmination of prior discussions which Ambassador Yamanaka had with Advocate Mudenda during a courtesy call in January this year.

It is said Advocate Mudenda had expressed his desire to learn from the Japanese development experience and Ambassador Yamanaka proposed to have Dr Kitaoka deliver a lecture.

JICA is said to have started establishing JICA Chair Lecture Series at various foreign universities  and government entities in 2021.

And over the years, the  programme has benefited countries such as Mozambique, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Madagascar and South Africa.

Prior to becoming Special Adviser to JICA, Dr Kitaoka is said to have been the President of JICA and previously, he was President of the International University of Japan.

“Dr Kitaoka’s academic career includes Professorship posts at top institutions such as: National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Graduate Schools of Law and Politics, University of Tokyo; and College of Law and Politics, Rikkyo University.

“He also served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations (2004-2006).

“Dr Kitaoka is an expert in modern Japanese politics and diplomacy.

“His qualifications include, BA (1971) and PhD (1976), both from the University of Tokyo. Dr Kitaoka is Emeritus Professor of the University of Tokyo. He is published author with various books and articles in Japanese and English. He is a recipient of several honours and awards including the Medal with Purple Ribbon for his academic achievements in 2011.”

Japan donates US$774 000 for cholera

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

 

Manicaland Province has received a timely donation of US$774 000 from Japan for the emergency cholera response.

The donation which was made through UNICEF, will specifically target the most vulnerable communities in the province, which bears one of the highest burdens of the disease.

A statement by UNICEF revealed that the grant will provide a comprehensive range of life-saving support in areas such as access to safe water; provision of critical hygiene materials, healthcare, and nutrition; child protection; as well as other essential social services.

His Excellency Mr Shinichi Yamanaka, Japan’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe said, “I hope that our support will allow the most vulnerable people to recover quickly and rebuild their lives. I also hope it will help prevent the further spread of this disease and future outbreaks”.

Speaking on the same grant, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe said, “we are extremely grateful to the Government of Japan for this support.

“This support exemplifies the commitment of the Government of Japan to the people of Zimbabwe to address the urgent needs of the affected communities and build resilience in the face of public health emergencies.”

The statement further read that, “the newly allocated funding will help the Government of Zimbabwe, UNICEF, and their partners to scale-up the multi-sectoral cholera response in affected areas, prioritising improved support and treatment to people infected by cholera; securing access to safe water with a special emphasis on the rehabilitation of sustainable, climate-resilient boreholes to ensure a lasting supply of safe water; and disseminating messages on cholera prevention and treatment through mass media platforms and interpersonal communication channels.”

Zimbabwe has been grappling with the cholera outbreak since February last year, recording 20,000 cases and over 400 deaths. Manicaland and Harare are the hardest hit provinces, as both account for 64 percent of all cholera cases.

 

And since the start of the outbreak, UNICEF has been working with the Ministry of Health and Child Care and partners to support affected communities, including by: “providing emergency health supplies and medical products to establish more than 50 cholera treatment centres and more than 90 community oral rehydration points in affected areas.

“Providing technical and operational support for the cholera vaccination campaign targeting 2.3 million people in the most affected districts.

“Training more than 2,200 health workers on case management, surveillance, and infection control in treatment facilities.

“Reaching more than 260,000 people with critical water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies.

“And reaching 5 million people with messages on health-and-hygiene measures to prevent cholera and the importance of seeking medical treatment early, particularly for children,” added the statement.