Japan provides $145,000 grant for mobile TB screening in Dhaka slums
DHAKA, Oct 7, 2026 — Japan will provide $145,000 to expand tuberculosis (TB) screening services in Dhaka’s slum communities, enabling mobile health teams to take diagnostic services closer to people with limited access to healthcare.
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi signed the grant agreement with the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) at the Embassy of Japan in Dhaka on Tuesday night.
The funding comes under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) and will support a project titled “The Project for Procurement of Land Cruiser for Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Dhaka District.”
Under the project, icddr,b will procure a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Fujifilm portable digital X-ray unit to operate mobile TB screening services in underserved communities.
The initiative is expected to screen around 9,000 people annually, helping identify previously undiagnosed TB cases and connect patients with appropriate treatment.
The mobile approach is also expected to contribute to earlier detection and treatment, while helping reduce the risk of TB transmission in densely populated communities.
“Japan places great importance on human security—protecting people’s lives and dignity,” Ambassador Saida said at the signing ceremony. “This project puts that commitment into practice by bringing essential health services closer to people who face barriers to care.”
The project will combine icddr,b’s public health expertise with Japanese technology to improve access to TB diagnostic services among vulnerable populations.
Ichiro Kashitani, vice chairman of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, also attended the signing ceremony. Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Fujifilm will provide technical training on the operation and use of the vehicle and diagnostic equipment.
Japan has supported 224 projects by NGOs in Bangladesh through the GGP since 1989, with the programme aimed at strengthening economic and social human security at the grassroots level.
The total value of Japan’s GGP assistance to Bangladesh has reached approximately $17.8 million, according to the Japanese Embassy.
