(Phnom Penh): The Government of Japan will provide $183,588 in total for two recipient organizations under the framework, the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects ("KUSANONE"). The Grant Contracts were signed today between Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the representatives of two recipients respectively, to carry out the following projects.

1. 'The Project for the Procurement of Secondhand Ambulance in Phnom Penh City, Kandal and Preah Sihanouk provinces ($120,308)

Recipient: Police Department of Fire Prevention and Rescue, Ministry of Interior

The grant will be used to procure Japanese ambulances for Phnom Penh City, Kandal, and Sihanoukville Provinces. This project aims to improve emergency response in Cambodia's urban areas, where rapid development has led to frequent fire incidents due to unsafe buildings and complex wiring. Despite having medical staff at fire stations, the lack of ambulances delays life-saving efforts, sometimes resulting in fatalities. To address this, four ambulances will be provided to fire stations two in Phnom Penh, one in Kandal province, and one in Preah Sihanouk province enabling faster emergency response and care in the event of a fire. This initiative will benefit approximately 4.14 million residents by improving fire-related rescue operations and enhancing public safety.

2. 'The Project for the Installation of Medical Equipment at Borkeo Referral Hospital in Ratanakiri Province' ($63,280)

Recipient: Borkeo Referral Hospital

This grant will be used to install a new X-ray machine, electrocardiograph (ECG), and generator at the Borkeo Referral Hospital. Since its X-ray machine broke down in 2021, patients requiring imaging must travel 30 km to the provincial hospital, incurring high transport costs and delays in diagnosis. Moreover, frequent power outages, especially during the rainy season, further hinder treatment, as the general ward lacks a generator, forcing doctors to work with flashlights. Additionally, the hospital lacks an ECG, essential for early detection of heart conditions. By installing a new X-ray machine, ECG, and generator, the hospital will be able to provide faster and more accurate diagnoses, improving care for approximately 9,500 patients annually and reducing the financial burden on rural communities.

Japan's "KUSANONE" Projects started in Cambodia in 1991 in order to support Cambodia's reconstruction and development at the grassroots level. The assistance aims to protect those who are vulnerable due to various factors such as poverty and/or misfortunes that directly threaten their lives, livelihood, and dignity, as well as to promote self-reliance of local communities. Since 1991, the Government of Japan has provided over $72 million for mainly local authorities and non-governmental organizations to implement 706 KUSANONE projects throughout Cambodia.
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