Japan grants $145,000 for TB screening in Dhaka slum

Japan will provide US$145,000 to expand mobile tuberculosis screening in Dhaka's slum areas, helping around 9,000 people annually access diagnostic services and connecting previously undiagnosed patients with medical care.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi signed the grant contracts with icddr,b at the Embassy of Japan yesterday, an embassy press release said today.

The assistance is being provided under Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Under the project, icddr,b will procure a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Fujifilm portable digital X-ray unit, enabling mobile teams to take TB screening directly to communities with limited access to healthcare.

The initiative is expected to support earlier detection and treatment of tuberculosis and help prevent the spread of infection.

"Japan places great importance on human security-protecting people's lives and dignity," Ambassador Saida said at the signing ceremony.

He said the project would put that commitment into practice by bringing essential health services closer to people facing barriers to care.

The initiative will combine icddr,b's public health expertise with Japanese technology to improve access to essential health services for vulnerable communities.

Toyota Tsusho Corporation Vice Chairman Ichiro Kashitani also attended the ceremony.

Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Fujifilm will provide technical training on the use of the vehicle and equipment to support the project.

Japan has supported 224 NGO projects in Bangladesh through the GGP programme since 1989, providing approximately US$17.8 million in grants to strengthen economic and social human security at the grassroots level.