Diplomatic Desk:
The Government of Japan is providing a grant of US$145,000 to expand tuberculosis (TB) detection activities in the slums and underserved areas of Dhaka. With this funding, the international health research organization icddr,b will procure a Toyota Land Cruiser and a portable Fujifilm digital X-ray machine to conduct mobile TB screening operations.
On Tuesday (October 6, 2026), Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi and representatives from icddr,b signed the grant agreement at a ceremony held at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka. This grant is being provided under the Japanese government’s ‘Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects’ (GGP) program.
Through the ‘Project for Procurement of Land Cruiser for Tuberculosis Detection in Dhaka District,’ TB screening services will be brought directly to communities with limited access to healthcare. The project aims to provide TB detection services to approximately 9,000 people annually.
This initiative is expected to facilitate the identification of previously undiagnosed TB patients and link them to appropriate medical care. It will help enable early treatment initiation while also reducing the risk of infection transmission.
Speaking at the event, Japanese Ambassador SAIDA Shinichi stated that Japan attaches great importance to protecting human life and dignity. As part of the commitment to human security, this project will play a role in delivering essential medical services to people who face barriers in accessing healthcare.
Based in Bangladesh, icddr,b is an international health research organization that works on research, innovation, and practical health solutions to address the health challenges faced by vulnerable populations. This project will combine the organization’s public health expertise with Japanese technology. Ichiro Kashitani, Vice Chairman of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, was also present at the event. Under the project, Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Fujifilm will provide technical training support regarding the operation of the vehicles and equipment involved.
Since 1989, the Government of Japan has supported 224 projects implemented by various non-governmental organizations in Bangladesh under the Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program. The total grant amount for these projects, aimed at strengthening economic and social human security at the grassroots level, is approximately 17.8 million US dollars.
