October 02, 2020

Japan-Myanmar Friendship Association (JMFA) in Japan donated face masks to Myanmar, to curb the spread of COVID-19, at the Yangon International Airport yesterday. The association provided a total of 301,000 face masks for the government employees of Yangon Region Government, Mandalay Region Government, governmental staff in Nay Pyi Taw, staff of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Border Affairs and staff who are performing duties in border areas.

Flights between Tokyo and Yangon carried the donated masks in two batches – the first batch on 26 September and the second batch yesterday.

In the evening, JMFA member and JOP Chairman Mr Tsuda Shunji presented 99,000 face masks for Yangon Region Government to the Region’s Social Affairs Minister U Naing Ngan Lin under the donation programme.

U Naing Ngan Lin said, “JMFA donated a total of 301,000 face masks. They were transported via embassy. It is mainly for the government employees who are serving in distant areas. It is an activity to enhance bilateral friendship of the two nations. Japan provided a lot of assistance for our country. We are grateful for that”. Similarly, Japan has conducted flu researches and flu diagnosis and carried out upgrading works before COVID-19, and provided assistance for upgrading laboratories for COVID-19 tests, getting fluid for testing COVID-19 samples and starting COVID-19 diagnosis during COVID-19. Moreover, JICA provided assistance for COVID-19 response processes.— Zaw Gyi (Translated by Kyaw Zin Tun)