Baghdad: Japan and Iraq have entered into a grant agreement aimed at providing essential medical equipment to two prominent teaching hospitals: Al-Imamain Al-Kadhimain in Baghdad and Azadi in Kirkuk. The collaboration was formalized at a signing ceremony involving the Japanese Embassy and the United Iraqi Medical Society for Relief (UIMS).

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the agreement was signed by Akira Endo, the Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, and Ahmed Al-Hiti, the head of UIMS. Under this agreement, Japan will extend financial assistance of up to US$97,750 to UIMS for the procurement of 17 neonatal incubators. These incubators are intended to enhance the capacity and capabilities of the two hospitals in delivering neonatal care.

The Japanese Ambassador emphasized the project’s goal to improve the hospitals’ ability to offer efficient and timely care for newborns. This includes stabilizing vulnerable infants, preventing complications, and fostering healthy early development. The grant is part of Japan’s Grant Assistance for People’s Security Projects (GGP), through which over one hundred projects have been implemented in Iraq since 2003. These projects span various sectors such as healthcare, education, public infrastructure, social welfare, and mine clearance.

Japan’s commitment through this grant underscores its dedication to promoting human security, strengthening community resilience, and supporting sustainable development efforts in Iraq. The initiative reflects a shared focus on placing human dignity and well-being at the forefront of development processes.