17 December 2023, Kabul, Afghanistan – The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has announced a significant commitment of US$ 6.9 million to strengthen the response capacity for infectious diseases in referral hospitals in Afghanistan.

This initiative aims to provide quality secondary and tertiary healthcare services to patients of infectious diseases, support laboratories to accurately diagnose communicable diseases and ensure the full operational capacity of the Afghan-Japan Communicable Disease Hospital and the National Infectious Disease Hospital in Kabul province. The project is expected to benefit more than 76 000 individuals across Afghanistan and represents a crucial advancement in tackling and alleviating the impact of communicable diseases on the people of the country.

H.E. Takayoshi Kuromiya, Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan, emphasized at the signing ceremony Japan's commitment to supporting improvements for further minimizing the negative effects of the infectious diseases, stating, "I sincerely hope that Afghanistan will become a country where all children, women and men can live comfortably by reducing the burden of communicable diseases and preventing such diseases from the people of Afghanistan."

Highlighting the importance of this initiative, Dr Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Afghanistan, stated that "at its core is a shared commitment to enhance the country’s response capacity to infectious diseases and empower communities across the Region”. He added that “WHO is deeply grateful for Japan's unwavering support and their continued partnership in efforts to prepare for and respond to disease outbreaks in Afghanistan”.

Infectious diseases continue to pose significant threats to public health worldwide, causing morbidity, mortality and economic burden to societies. Specialized hospitals in Afghanistan that are dedicated to managing infectious diseases need crucial support to enhance the country’s ability to respond effectively. By providing specialized care and promoting preparedness, these hospitals will help minimize the impact of future infectious disease outbreaks and serve as a cornerstone to the country’s public health system.

For more information, please contact:

Joy Rivaca Caminade
Head of Communications
WHO Afghanistan
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Nourhan El-Nagdy
Donor Communication Officer
WHO Afghanistan
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Mohammad Ibrahim
Economic Cooperation Division
Embassy of Japan in Afghanistan
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