The Japanese government has approved a grant of $350,000 for training medical staff in the main health facilities in and around Juba.

The project is being implemented by an Italian organization, the Volunteers Organization for International Co-operation OVCI.

Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Takeshi Akamatsu, signed the contract this afternoon with OVCI representative Manuella Vittor.

Mr Takeshi says the project will improve access to medical care.

The Minister of Health in Central Equatoria State, Felix Lodu, who was at the signing ceremony, acknowledged the health challenges in the state.

Mr Lodu says many women die during labor. He says trainees are being recruited from all parts of the state.

“We have taken the people from the counties, from Bomas and from Payams so that after the training the same people will go back,” Mr Lodu said.

“And we have informed village health committees, the chiefs in the counties or in the areas, the commissioners to be in charge when recruiting people for training.”

The training will focus on maternal and child health.