ISLAMABAD, Friday, March 6, 2026 (WNP): The Government of Japan has announced a grant of $65,470 (approximately PKR 18 million) to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society to strengthen blood donation services in the capital region under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) program.

The grant agreement was signed on Friday at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad between Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, and representatives of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society.

The project, titled “The Project for the Refurbishment of Second-hand Blood Donation Vehicle for the Pakistan Red Crescent Society Regional Blood Donation Center,” aims to enhance the operational capacity of the organization’s blood donation center in Islamabad to collect and supply safe blood to patients in need, including emergency cases.

Founded in 1947, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society is one of the country’s leading humanitarian organizations, working nationwide in disaster management, healthcare services, and community welfare initiatives. The PRCS Regional Blood Donation Center in Islamabad relies entirely on voluntary, non-remunerated donors and has steadily increased blood collection over the past decade. However, officials say limited outreach capacity has posed challenges in meeting the growing demand for blood.

Through the Japanese grant, PRCS will procure a refurbished second-hand blood donation vehicle from Japan, which will allow the organization to conduct mobile blood donation drives at universities, workplaces, public areas, and mosques across Islamabad and nearby regions.

According to project officials, the initiative is expected to increase blood collection capacity by about 30 percent, potentially helping save the lives of approximately 12,000 patients annually, including individuals suffering from thalassemia, hemophilia, cancer, and victims of road traffic accidents. The project will also enhance preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies requiring urgent blood supplies.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu emphasized that human security begins with protecting individual lives, a key principle of Japan’s development assistance policy. He noted that maintaining adequate blood supplies is directly linked to saving lives and improving access to critical medical treatment.

Reaffirming the longstanding partnership between the two countries, the ambassador said Japan would continue supporting capable local organizations through humanitarian assistance programs to promote human security in Pakistan.

Officials described the initiative as another step in strengthening the enduring friendship between Japan and Pakistan, while improving access to lifesaving medical services for vulnerable communities.