The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial assistance of 409,792 US Dollars; equivalent to approximately 36,139,556Nepalese RupeestoAMDA Multisectoral and Integrated Development Services (AMDA-MINDS) under the Grant Assistance forJapanese NGO Projects Scheme of the Government of Japanin Japan’s FY 2013. AMDA-MINDSwill provide technical and financial support to a partner agency, AMDA-Nepal, to implement the Projectfor Improving Maternal and Child Health through Promoting Capacity Development at Four Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Rupandehi District (Phase II).

The Grant Contract relating this project was signed and exchanged today between Shuichi SAKAKIBARA, Chargés d’Affaires of Japan to Nepal, and Mr. Satoru KINOSHITA, Country Director, AMDA- MINDS Nepal Office.

AMDA-MINDS has many years of experience in conducting maternal and child health care projects in Nepal under various assistance schemes from the Government of Japan. Prior to the project which was signed today, AMDA-MINDS provided technical and financial support to  partner agency AMDA-Nepal to implement, since January 2012, the project named "the Projectfor Improving Maternal and Child Health through Promoting Capacity Development at Four Village Development Committees (VDCs) in Rupandehi District" under the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects scheme of the Government of Japan. Under this project, all 36 communities in the four VDCs were covered and provided with maternal and child care services such as through various health workshops, capacity building assistance and access to community funds for emergency purposes.  AMDA-MINDS has supported to construct the Out Reach Clinic Center in Hatti Bangai VDC, carried out activities related to basic health service improvement in  Sub-Health Posts in the targeted area, and improved  access to safe maternal health care services through health training and awareness campaigns. The achievements of the former project can be seen in peoples' behavioral change, such attending the appropriate medical examinations during pregnancy and managing the community health foundation by themselves.

To enhance the outcomes from the former project and ensure sustainability of their activities, AMDA-MINDS will utilize the grant exclusively to promote capacity development at four VDCs in Rupandehi District, namely, Mainahiya, Hatti Bangaai, Kamahariya, and Dhamauli.  In addition, AMDA-MINDS will support to develop solidarity between local people and health administration bodies in Rupandehi District.

Speaking at the function, Shuichi SAKAKIBARA, Chargés d’Affaires of Japan to Nepal expressed his belief that this project, as one of Japan's contributions to Nepal, will  benefit rural communities in Rupandehi and contribute to improve women and children's health condition, as well as further strengthening the friendly and cordial relationship between Japan and Nepal.