• History
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• Organizational chart

Introduction

The Department of International Medical Cooperation, Japan was established as part of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine to act as a base for international healthcare cooperation in Japan. Working in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the National Hospital Organization, and other groups, the department provides technical support, hosts trainees from developing countries, and conducts a range of other activities to improve medical care and hygiene in developing countries.

The Department of International Medical Cooperation, Japan has undertaken a variety of technical cooperation projects in Asian, African, and Latin American countries, and is currently involved in 23 projects. It also hosts many trainees from developing countries and has thus far accepted a total of 2,500 people from over 130 countries.

Amidst the international uncertainty typified by recent terrorist activity, a shared global awareness of a new concept is starting to emerge-the concept of "human security." The maintenance and improvement of the health of people in developing countries is of paramount importance if the world is to achieve human security, and in this sense, we are realizing a reaffirmation of the importance of international healthcare cooperation.

The National Center for Global Health and Medicine was originally established as an organization of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, but became an incorporated administrative agency in April, 2010. International healthcare cooperation is one of the main pillars of the center's role as an incorporated administrative agency. Going forward, it is our intention to fulfill our role as Japan's core facility in the field of international healthcare with the cooperation of related organizations and individuals.

April 2010

Introduction