ADB, JICA jointly work to improve health security in Asia-Pacific

ADB President Takehiko Nakao (right) and JICA President Shinichi Kitaoka (left) at the seminar in Yokohama, Japan (Photo: adb.org)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on May 4 agreed to coordinate with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to help Asia – Pacific countries better cope with epidemics and have access to quality and affordable medical services, Japanese Kyodo News Agency reported.

ADB President Takehiko Nakao and JICA President Shinichi Kitaoka signed a memorandum of understanding during a healthcare seminar organised by Japan in Yokohama near Tokyo.

Under the strategic cooperation, ADB and JICA aim to share information and expertise in healthcare, provide technical support and extend loans for infrastructure construction to ensure health service quality in Asia – Pacific region.

Promoting universal healthcare coverage is another key pillar of the partnership as income growth and rapid aging population have increased risks of heart diseases and diabetes.

Japan hopes to contribute to promoting universal healthcare coverage in other areas in Asia – Pacific based on its own experiences as a grayish country.

ADB, which is experienced in infrastructure development, is diversifying its operations to improve public health in developing Asia where poverty is one of main challenges despite recent economic growth.-VNA