The Government of Japan has signed a grant agreement with the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) to support the provision of a specialised transportation vehicle for elderly persons in Malé City, aimed at improving access to healthcare services for senior citizens.

The agreement was signed between Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives Ishigami Rumiko and Maldivian Red Crescent Secretary General Ahmed Shabin. The project, funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), will provide USD 65,784 for the procurement of a vehicle designed to assist elderly individuals, particularly those facing mobility challenges.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Ishigami noted that the growing elderly population in the Maldives has increased the need for accessible healthcare services, adding that transportation remains one of the key barriers faced by many senior citizens when seeking medical care. She expressed confidence that the vehicle would help ensure safer transportation for elderly individuals travelling to hospitals and clinics, while also reducing pressure on emergency transport services.

Secretary General Ahmed Shabin said the initiative would help address mobility challenges experienced by many elderly residents in Malé City, including difficulties in accessing healthcare and participating in community activities. He noted that the vehicle will enable the Maldivian Red Crescent to strengthen patient transport services within the capital while enhancing its broader community response services for vulnerable groups.

Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects has supported a wide range of community-level initiatives in the Maldives since 1996, particularly in sectors such as health, education, environmental protection, transportation and energy.