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 May4 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 affordablemedical services, Japanese Kyodo News Agency reported.
ADBPresident Takehiko Nakao and JICA President Shinichi Kitaoka signed a memorandumof understanding during a healthcare seminar organised by Japan in Yokohamanear Tokyo.
Underthe strategic cooperation, ADB and JICA aim to share information and expertisein healthcare, provide technical support and extend loans for infrastructureconstruction to ensure health service quality in Asia – Pacific region.
Promotinguniversal healthcare coverage is another key pillar of the partnership as incomegrowth and rapid aging population have increased risks of heart diseases anddiabetes.
Japanhopes to contribute to promoting universal healthcare coverage in other areasin Asia – Pacific based on its own experiences as a grayish country.
ADB, which is experienced in infrastructure development, isdiversifying its operations to improve public health in developing Asia wherepoverty is one of main challenges despite recent economic growth.-VNA
