RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The Government of Japan has handed over a secondhand blood donation vehicle to Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation on Tuesday.

For the purpose, the ceremony was held at the Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation, Karachi where Toshikazu Isomura, Consul General of Japan in Karachi, Dr Asim Qidwai, CEO of AMTF and Ateeq-ur-Rehman, Executive Director of AMTF were present.

The grant has been provided through ‘Re-cycling Grant Scheme’ which aims to contribute to economic and social development, providing the assistance through the re-use of used equipment. The vehicle for this project has been donated by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy, based in Japan.

The main purpose behind this project is also to create awareness on the importance of blood donation amongst the people residing in Karachi as well as to ensure a safe methodology of blood donation, in a completely hygienic environment.

At the handover ceremony, lsomura said that this Blood Donation Vehicle would greatly improve medical services in Karachi and save many people from blood-related diseases and hoped that this support from Japan would further strengthen the cordial relationship between Japan and Pakistan.

Under Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) scheme, Japan has funded up to 380 projects in Pakistan since 1989 and this was the 19th GGP project completed by the Consulate General of Japan in Karachi since 2009.