JICA bumps budget allocation for 'human security' by 20%

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japan International Cooperation Agency has committed to increasing its budget allocation for activities pertaining to “human security.” Matsumoto Shigeyuki, group director for water resources in the global environment department at JICA, told Devex its budget will increase by approximately 20% in the next five years to expand activities in sectors such as WASH, disaster risk reduction, and urban environment. JICA also plans to double resource allocation to the health sector, Shigeyuki explained. “This is a direct result [of] COVID-19 and a response from JICA to this pandemic,” he said, adding that there’ll be a focus on the most vulnerable. Why it matters: Around 1.8 billion people in Asia still don’t have access to proper sanitation. While JICA funds projects around the world, the majority of its work focus is in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific regions. The aim is to better protect people from various threats such as infectious diseases and disaster risks, Shigeyuki said. Visit the WASH Works series for more coverage on water, sanitation, and hygiene — and importantly, how WASH efforts intersect with other development challenges. You can join the conversation using the hashtag #WASHWorks.