Japan Provides Nearly 12 Million Dollars Through the World Bank to Enhance Financial Stability and Health Services in Palestine

SadaNews - The Japanese government has made a contribution of nearly 12 million US dollars to support two major projects of the World Bank, aimed at enhancing financial stability and public health in Palestine.

Japan reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to support the Palestinian people in these critical times, and will continue its efforts to bolster the resilience of the Palestinian Authority, maintain the health and welfare of citizens, and stand by Palestine in its various endeavors, according to a statement from the Japanese consulate on Monday.

The statement added that the Palestinian economy has faced a severe and unprecedented setback, resulting in a significant economic contraction during the year 2024, leading to serious financial repercussions, as the Palestinian National Authority faces a acute financial deficit that has resulted in incomplete salary payments for government employees.

The education and health sectors, which together make up about 60% of the total wage bill, are among the most vital sectors, and the inability to fully pay salaries in these sectors poses a direct threat to the continuity of schools and health facilities.

In response, Japan has again provided timely support through the "Palestinian Emergency Fund" (PEFF) of the World Bank, contributing 10 million dollars to help partially finance government employee salaries in the education and health sectors, which helps prevent the collapse of public service delivery and supports the continuity of essential services.

Japan also pledged to provide 1,986,666 US dollars to support the "Strengthening Health System Resilience Project" (HSERP), which aims to enhance the public health system in the West Bank.

This support will contribute to providing essential medical equipment, medications, and medical supplies to enhance emergency care services, and through this support, 8,040 additional individuals will receive hospital services in six government hospitals.

Both contributions fall under the "Palestinian Fund for Reconstruction and Development" (PFRD) established by the World Bank, which focuses on financial stability, human capital development, private sector development, protection of marginalized groups, and support for recovery efforts in Gaza. Japan's contribution plays an important role in supporting these priorities.