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Japan pledges $1.5 million in medical aid to Sri Lanka amidst economic crisis

Healthcare workers in Mankulam last month protesting over the economic crisis' severe impact on the medical sector 

Japan announced its pledge of US$1.5 million in emergency medical aid to Sri Lanka as the island continues to deal with it's worsening economic crisis.

In a press release, UNICEF said that the financial aid "will enable UNICEF to procure medicines for over 1.2 million people, among them 53,000 pregnant mothers and nearly 122,000 children in immediate need."

Sri Lanka, which is facing one of its worst economic crises, has been unable to secure foreign exchange to import essential goods, including fuel and medicine. 

Christian Skoog, a representative of UNICEF Sri Lanka said:

"It's a race against time given the acute need for these life-saving medicines by the most vulnerable, especially children and pregnant women. The swift contribution by the Government of Japan is commendable. UNICEF will use its vast expertise to rapidly procure and deliver the medicines to where they are needed most."

Medical professionals have warned that the current shortage of medicines and medical equipment could lead to a death toll higher than the coronavirus pandemic. 

 

 

 

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