Ewha Womans UniversityInstitute for Development and Human Security

Overview and Trends in Japan's Health ODA

Japan ranks as the fourth largest donor globally and the largest in Asia. As of 2017, Japan provided $15.59 billion in international aid, but its ODA/GNI ratio was 0.23%, falling short of the DAC's recommended 0.7%. Japan's ODA policy tends to prioritize participation in the markets of developing countries. In bilateral aid, Japan specializes in infrastructure, with this trend being particularly notable in middle-income countries.

Japan's general strategic priorities include 1. Economic Development in Japan and Africa, 2. Addressing the Root Causes of Terrorism to Achieve Human Security, 3. International Health, and 4. Infrastructure Construction. In the field of health, Japan is the fifth largest donor among DAC countries, investing 5% of its total ODA in health. In 2015, Japan defined its international health policy as a “Basic Design for Peace and Health” and launched related initiatives. This initiative focuses on universal health coverage and preparing health systems to address public health risks.

According to the OECD DAC's CRS aid purpose codes for Japan’s free aid in the health sector (120) and reproductive health (130), the investment by continent from 2008 to 2017 is as follows: Basic Health (120): Asia (44%), Africa(39%), America (7%), and for Reproductive Health (130): Africa (39%), Asia(36%), and not specified(18%).

 

일본의 원조목적코드 120, 130의 대륙별 지원비율

Japan's Health ODA Strategy by JICA

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a prominent Japanese institution, aligns its health ODA strategy with the slogan “Basic Design for Peace and Health,” focusing on three strategic priorities:

① Strengthening Health Systems

The Japanese government views health systems as a core component of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Therefore, JICA collaborates with the Japanese government to support the expansion of UHC through various seminars and conferences.

② Maternal and Child Health

Maternal health is critical as it directly affects both the mother and the child. This is a pressing issue in developing countries. JICA has developed guidelines to be applied in these countries and has expanded its activities to include the distribution of a maternal health handbook.

③ Disease Control

Following the Ebola outbreak, there has been increased recognition of the need for the International Health Regulations (IHR). JICA focuses on technical cooperation to build vaccine production capabilities and supports activities such as loans for vaccine procurement (including polio vaccines), the development of rapid diagnostic kits, and early warning systems.

In 2017, Japan's health ODA was distributed as follows: Health Policy and Administration(30%), Medical Services(19%), Disease Control(18%), Basic Medical Equipment(8%), and Reproductive Health(7%).

2017년 일본의 보건섹터별 투자비율

Girls' Health

- Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Enhancement Project (2008-2012, Honduras)

In Honduras, 39% of the population is youth. The increasing rate of teenage pregnancies is linked to broader issues such as lack of education, poverty, and health problems related to HIV/AIDS. This project aimed to address these challenges by implementing sexual and reproductive health initiatives targeted at adolescents across seven cities. The focus was on reducing teenage pregnancy rates through comprehensive reproductive health services and education.