Japan's Emergency Medical Team Returns from Disaster Relief Efforts in Myanmar

Japan's Emergency Medical Team Returns

On April 17, Japan's International Emergency Assistance Team (JDR), commissioned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, returned home after an impactful 11-day mission in Mandalay, Myanmar, following the devastating earthquake that struck on March 28. Departing from Haneda Airport on April 2, the team successfully provided medical support to approximately 1,200 individuals during their stay.

During the ceremony at Haneda Airport, team leader Hideyuki Yazama, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, detailed their efforts, stating, "We arrived in Mandalay on April 3 and managed to conduct around 1,200 medical consultations by April 14. Despite the severe heat, often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, we achieved our mission to deliver high-quality healthcare and show the compassionate spirit of the Japanese people."

Deputy leader Tomoki Nakamori, from the Yokohama Rosai Hospital under the Japan Organization for Occupational Health and Safety, expressed concerns about the future, saying, "While the number of trauma patients related to the disaster is decreasing, the onset of the rainy season poses a significant health risk. Many people are still outdoors due to ongoing aftershocks, and we worry about their health in continuing rain."

The secondary team, which departed on April 12, arrived in Mandalay on April 14 and has taken over from the first team to continue medical operations.

About Japan's International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

JICA plays a crucial role in addressing challenges faced by developing nations through a range of support, including technical cooperation, financial assistance, and more as part of Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA). Operating in over 150 countries and regions, JICA collaborates with global partners to tackle international issues that are also closely tied to Japan, contributing to world peace, prosperity, and the development of Japanese society. For more information, visit JICA's website.

About the Japan Disaster Relief Team (JDR)

The Japan Disaster Relief Team (JDR) is dispatched based on the Japanese government's decision to provide emergency support during large-scale disasters overseas. JICA serves as the secretariat for this team. The JDR comprises medical teams that handle disaster medical care, rescue teams engaged in search and rescue operations, and infection control teams ready to respond to outbreaks, along with various specialized expert teams and Self-Defense Forces units tailored to the needs of the disaster area. In 2010, JDR's rescue team was certified as capable of advanced rescue activities by the UN’s International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and, in 2016, the medical team achieved EMT Type 2 international certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its structured and professional emergency medical services. Stay updated by following the official JDR X (formerly Twitter).