Japanese assistance for maternal, child health

Kathmandu, Dec. 27 The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial assistance of 470,807 US Dollars; equivalent to approximately 40,381,116 Nepalese Rupees to AMDA Multisectoral and Integrated Development Services (AMDA-MINDS) under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects Scheme of the Government of Japan in Japan’s FY 2011. AMDA-MINDS will implement the Project for Improving Maternal and Child Health through Promoting Capacity Development at four Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Rupandehi District. The Grant Contract relating this project was signed and exchanged Tuesday between Kunio Takahashi, ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and Maiko Kobayashi, Country Director, AMDA- MINDS Nepal Office. To enhance the outcomes from the former project and expand their activities to other communities, AMDA-MINDS will utilize the grant exclusively to promote capacity development at four VDCs in Rupandehi District, namely, Mainahiya, Hatti Bangaai, Kamahariya, and Dhamauli. Under the new project, all 36 communities in the four VDCs will be covered and provided with maternal and child care services such as various health workshops, capacity building assistance and access to community funds for emergency purposes. In addition, AMDA-MINDS will support to develop solidarity between local people and health administration bodies in Rupandehi District, read a statement by the Japanese embassy. Speaking at the function, the Japanese ambassador expressed his belief that this project, as one of Japan’s contributions to Nepal, would benefit rural communities in Rupandehi and contribute to improve women and children’s health condition, could further strengthen the friendly and cordial relationship between Japan and Nepal.