Islamabad: March 6,2026: The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Program, has decided to provide grant assistance of USD 65,470(equivalent to PKR 18 million) to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for a project to enhance blood donation services in capital region.
The grant contract was signed between Mr. AKAMATSU Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and representatives of PRCS at the Embassy of Japan in Islamabad on March 6, 2026. 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 strengthen the capacity of Regional Blood Donation Center to collect and supply safe blood to vulnerable patients and emergency cases.
Established in 1947, PRCS is the leading humanitarian organization in Pakistan and operates nationwide in disaster management, health, and community services. The PRCS Regional Blood Donation Centre in Islamabad relies exclusively on voluntary non-remunerated blood donors and has steadily increased its annual blood collection over the past decade. However, limited outreach capacity and operational challenges have constrained its ability to meet growing demand.
Through this grant, PRCS will procure the refurbished second-hand blood donation vehicle from Japan. This vehicle will enable PRCS to conduct blood donation drives at universities, workplaces, public spaces, and mosques in Islamabad and surrounding region.
The project is expected to increase blood collection capacity by around 30 percent and contribute to saving the lives of approximately 12,000 patients suffering from thalassemia, hemophilia, cancer, and for victims of road traffic accidents. It will also improve the preparedness for natural disasters and other emergencies.
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Akamatsu emphasized that human security begins with protecting each individual life which is fundamental of Japan’s assistance policy. Securing blood stocks is directly linked to saving people’s lives and the better access to medical treatment.
As an enduring friend of Pakistan, the Government of Japan will continue to support for capable local NGOs through grant assistance to achieve the human security in Pakistan. Ambassador Akamatsu wished this project would reflect the strong and longstanding friendship between Japan and Pakistan.
