Sri Lanka economic crisis: Japan makes available USD 1.8 mn, total contribution exceeds USD 3.8 mn

Japan has provided fresh funding amounting to over $1.8 million to UNICEF in aid of the most vulnerable children in Sri Lanka. The new contribution will enable over 600,000 children to access clean water, good hygiene and sanitation, and treatment for malnutrition, according to a Japanese embassy statement issued yesterday (16)

The statement quoted Japanese ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki as having said: “We are pleased to announce that the Government of Japan has decided to provide additional humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka in this critical situation. With this latest contribution, the total amount of assistance provided by the Government of Japan through UNICEF has exceeded USD 3.8 million since the beginning of the economic crisis last year. Japan continues to stand by and support Sri Lanka.”

“The Government of Japan has made a significant contribution to support the efforts of UNICEF collaborating with the Government of Sri Lanka in responding to both the long- and short-term needs of children”, said Christian Skoog, UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative. “UNICEF appreciates and relies on such contributions for its work for children”.

This contribution will enable UNICEF and partners to:

· Treat 9,000 children with severe acute malnutrition through provision of therapeutic food and support access for children with complications to effective care in 97 hospitals where in-patient treatment is prioritized.

· Procure and distribute multiple micronutrient powders for 200,000 children under two years to address deficiencies.

· 400,000 children and their parents/caretakers reached with accurate information on proper sanitation and hygiene information.

· Support 100,000 people mainly women through provision of safe and adequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in identified Maternal and Child Health clinics.

This contribution is in line with the Japanese Government’s commitment that people live in dignity, free from want and fear through the provision of basic social services for the most vulnerable populations, including access to essential lifesaving WASH and nutrition services.