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Japan provides $145,000 grant for mobile TB screening in Dhaka
Grant to help icddr,b expand screening in slum areas and reach around 9,000 people annually
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 07 Oct 2026, 09:52 AM
Photo: Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh
Japan will provide a $145,000 grant to expand mobile tuberculosis (TB) screening in slum areas of Dhaka, aiming to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for people with limited access to healthcare.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh SAIDA Shinichi signed the grant contracts with the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) at the Embassy of Japan on Tuesday (6 October) under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).
The grant will finance the “Project for Procurement of Land Cruiser for Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Dhaka District”, under which icddr,b will procure a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Fujifilm portable digital X-ray unit.
The equipment will enable mobile teams to take TB screening services directly to communities with limited access to healthcare, according to the Japanese Embassy.
The project is expected to screen around 9,000 people annually. By detecting previously undiagnosed TB cases and connecting patients with appropriate medical care, it will support earlier treatment and help prevent the spread of infection.
“Japan places great importance on human security—protecting people’s lives and dignity. This project puts that commitment into practice by bringing essential health services closer to people who face barriers to care,” Ambassador SAIDA said.
Bangladesh-based icddr,b develops and delivers practical and scalable solutions to health challenges affecting vulnerable populations. The project will combine its public health expertise with Japanese technology to improve access to essential health services.
Ichiro Kashitani, vice-chairman of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, attended the signing ceremony. Toyota Tsusho and Fujifilm will provide technical training on the use of the vehicle and equipment.
Since 1989, Japan has supported 224 NGO projects through its GGP programme to strengthen economic and social human security at grassroots level. The total value of the grants has reached approximately $17.8 million.