JERUSALEM, July 10, 2006 (WAFA)- The Ambassador of Japan to Israel Jun Yokota, Monday handed UNICEF $3.3 million in support of Palestinian child's health.
In a signing ceremony at UNICEF premises in Jerusalem, the Ambassador said he finds UNICEF as a unique partner in child's health.
He continued by saying that "our cooperation extends beyond this contribution. We have been working with UNICEF in occupied Palestinian territory (OPT) for the past four years in child's health."
When asked about the situation in Gaza, Mr. Yokota stated that the Government of Japan expressed their concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and stated that the Government of Japan called upon the Israeli Government to restrain and not target civilians.
Mr. Dan Rohrmann, UNICEF Representative in OPT said that this contribution represents the strong continued partnership between the Japanese Government and UNICEF towards controlling infectious diseases, improving the nutritional status of Palestinian children and addressing human security for them.
He added that UNICEF with its partner UN agencies, NGOs and others as well as its friends in the donor community will continually be committed towards sustaining protection of the Palestinian children against infectious diseases and other factors that may interfere with their health, growth, and development.
"All children have rights, this include the right to health, nutrition, safe water, education and protection just to name a few," he added. "These rights must be safeguarded irrespective of the context they happen to live in."
When asked about the situation in Gaza, Mr. Dan Rohrmann, UNICEF stated that children in Gaza are living in an environment of extraordinary violence, insecurity and fear.
Today's contribution of almost $ 3.3 million will ensure: Essential vaccines and vaccine related supplies for 110,000 children, Provision of key supplies and equipment for health activities, Upgrading skills of health workers in 11 district hospitals, and Stepping up action to prevent IDD through provision of iodized salt benefiting the entire population.
