JICA Chief Reiterates Commitment to Long and Healthy Lives for Malawians

The Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Malawi, Kazuhiro Tambara, has emphasized the agency’s dedication to ensuring long and healthy lives for Malawians. Tambara delivered this message on Saturday during a ceremony at Dedza District Hospital, commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Malawi and Japan.

Themed “Hope for Health Malawi—Save Lives Together,” the event celebrated the enduring partnership between the two nations, with a spotlight on the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) program. This JICA initiative sends skilled Japanese professionals to Malawi to provide critical support in sectors such as health, education, and governance.

In his remarks, Tambara underscored the strong relationship between Malawi and Japan and reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting Malawi’s development goals, particularly in the health sector. He praised the contributions of Japanese volunteers who have been instrumental in improving local capacities and health service delivery.

Shamira Kananji, a Community Health Nursing Officer, commended JICA for its impactful contributions.

“Through their deployment, we have witnessed improvements in the quality of care and community health education. This has been instrumental in addressing various health challenges in the district,” Kananji said.

The event also included community outreach programs led by Japanese health volunteers. These initiatives focused on equipping residents of Dedza District with practical knowledge on maintaining healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and overall well-being.

The outreach activities were well-received, with community members expressing gratitude for the volunteers’ guidance.

The ceremony highlighted the achievements of the JOCV program and reaffirmed the shared vision of Malawi and Japan to foster development through collaboration. Over the past six decades, this partnership has expanded to include numerous initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Malawians.

As the event concluded, Tambara expressed optimism about the future of the collaboration.

“Our mission is to work together to create hope and healthier communities in Malawi. Together, we can save lives and inspire lasting change,” Tambara said.

The ceremony served as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations, rooted in a mutual commitment to improving the quality of life for all Malawians.