September 26:JICA or the Japan International Cooperation Agency in Bhutan and the Ministry of Health will establish a new technical cooperation project for expanded program on immunization in Bhutan. The new project will see technical and logistic assistance related to immunization services.

As part of the new initiative, four delegates from JICA headquarters in Japan are in the country to review the immunization services. The four JICA delegates will be in the kingdom for a period of two weeks.

The Expanded Program on Immunization Services or EPI in Bhutanese hospitals will begin from next year. Officials will also study the current status of National EPI strategy and programs under the 10th Five Year Plan.

Dr. Chiba, one among the four delegates who arrived in the country last week, told BBS that the assessment is being carried out in order to implement the new project in a better way.

On the immunization program, he said, Bhutan can improve the quality of immunization services. The technical cooperation project will provide assistance such as supply of vaccines and vaccine storage equipment called cold chain equipment.

Under the project, Japanese technical advisors will provide trainings and organize workshops for Bhutanese health workers.

JICA and the Royal Government initiated medical supply program for EPI in 1995. While here, the delegates also visited several hospital and BHUs in Thimphu, Wangdiphodrang, Bumthang and Mongar.