The government of Japan has extended an emergency grant of USD 356,400 for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and USD 185,000 for Maldives Red Crescent (MRC) to assist the government of Maldives in its efforts to respond to COVID-19.
In a statement, the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the grant will be utilised for procurement of medical equipment and consumables, and for providing technical assistance for the installation of new communications systems in various schools for online teaching programs and teleclasses.
The government of Maldives expressed its appreciation to the government and people of Japan for timely assistance. The foreign ministry said the assistance will go a long way in complementing the existing efforts by the government in combating COVID-19.
Japan has been the most important bilateral development partner of the Maldives for several decades. It has helped the Maldives in education, infrastructure development, and climate change adaptation projects including the construction of the sea-wall around Male' City.
Japan was among the first countries to provide financial assistance to the Maldives in the immediate aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.