The Japanese Government, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has extended assistance of US$316,605 for three humanitarian assistance programs:

1. “The Project for Construction of Rural Health Center in Ashay Bet Village, Toungup Township, Rakhine State” (US$ 103,710)
2. “The Project for Construction of Rural Health Center in Zalun Village, Thandwe Township, Rakhine State” (US$ 106,910)
3. “The Project for Construction of Rural Health Center in Taung Pauk Village, Gwa Township, Rakhine State” (US$ 105,985)

The handover and opening ceremonies of the three projects took place in Toungup, Thandwe and Gwa Townships in Rakhine State on 26th and 27th February, 2015 respectively. Ms. Satomi KIKUCHI, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Myint Hlaing, Amyotha Hluttaw Representative, Dr. Aung Kyaw Min, Rakhine State Social Affairs Minister, Township Medical Officers, Township Administrators, local authorities from government departments, midwives, respective committee chairmen, committee members of the construction projects, and local residents attended the ceremonies for the projects.
Rural Health Center buildings in Ashay Bet Village in Toungup Township, Zalun Village in Thandwe Township and Taung Pauk Village in Gwa Township were outdated and there were no separate delivery rooms nor adequate medical equipment and furniture. Under such conditions, the Japanese Government supported construction of Rural Health Centers including staff quarters, medical equipment and furniture. The projects will benefit 27,280 people from 39 villages in Toungup Township, 7,969 people from 45 villages in Thandwe Township and 10,537 people from 26 villages in Gwa Township.
The Government of Japan has assisted 714 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993, the number consisting of 327 education projects, 182 healthcare projects, 137 public welfare and environment projects, 33 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. The Government of Japan hopes that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Myanmar and Japan.