DILI, 26 march 2024 (TATOLI) – The Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste signed a new grant contract with the Alola Foundation to construct the Construction of Women’s Cancer Support Center in Dili, with an amount of US$72,680.
The grant contract was signed by the Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste, Tetsuya Kimura, and the representative of Alola Foundation.
The center will provide safe living spaces for women affected by cancer during their examination, treatment, and palliative care. The women and their families from rural areas or women suffering from economic and family problems can stay in the center and get support to access proper health services.
On the same day, Ambassador Kimura and the representative of Leprosy Mission Timor-Leste (LMTL) also signed the contract handover of two Japanese ambulances.
“LMTL will receive two Japanese ambulances and maintenance training, with the amount of US$50,420,” said Ambassador Kimura.
The ambulances will be used for patient transportation for people affected by leprosy and other health problems between the national hospital and Klibur Domin Clinic in Tibar, in Luquiça. They will be also used for patient transportation and medical treatment of patients with any health problems not only from Liquiça but also from the areas in Ermera and Bobonaro municipalities where the ambulances are reachable.
Ambassador Kimura said: “We have supported local NGOs to construct and rehabilitate 13 health facilities mainly in remote areas, aiming to improve people’s access to health services. Local NGOs are one of the very important partners for the Government of Japan. Especially, the two NGOs that sign contracts today, namely Alola Foundation, and LMTL, play significant roles in Timor-Leste in their dedicated sectors. I hope the two projects will be another addition to our contribution to bringing a healthier life to the people, especially those affected by cancers and leprosy.”
The signing ceremony of the two new grant contracts was held at the Embassy of Japan in Timor-Leste. The assistance is provided through Japan’s development assistance scheme “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). GGP aims to benefit local communities, including the remote areas, Japan has successfully implemented 138 projects through this scheme over the last 20 years all around the country.
The Japanese Government has supported numerous large-scale projects, including the construction of infrastructure, support for industries, as well as smaller-scale projects that directly benefit the local people. GGP has been playing a major role in the latter areas, focusing on the improvement and expansion of social services delivery in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
