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Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan (KGUMSB), Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC), and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bhutan Office signed a Record of Discussion for the project for Institutional Capacity Building for Eliminating Helicobacter Pylori related Death.

Gastric cancer is the most frequent cause of cancer death in Bhutan, as the prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori, the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer, is extremely high. Unfortunately, Gastric cancer mortality in Bhutan is the second highest in the world.

This used to be the case in Japan. Many years ago, H Pylori infections used to be highly prevalent, and the incidence of gastric cancer was consequently high in Japan. In order to eliminate gastric cancer, efforts were made to conduct extensive research and establish the nation-wide screening programme using advance medical technology.

Building on the success of Japan's experiences to combat gastric cancer, through this 5 year collaborative initiative, funded through the SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) scheme, a team of renowned doctors, professors and leading experts from both Japan and Bhutan will work together to establish a system to provide laboratory test, clinical and diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter Pylori infection.

Thanking JICA for its support, Dr Kinzang P Tshering, President of KGUMSB commented that they are very honored to be the implementing agency for this very important project which is very much in alignment with the government flagship program of cancer control. He further said, "the university pledges our full dedication to successfully implement this project to benefit the people of Bhutan".

The pandemic has exposed the importance of ensuring healthy lives and maintaining good health conditions in many unprecedented ways. Many countries are increasingly placing health related issues at the top of development agenda, and JICA is no exception. "JICA has a longstanding partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan on various health related initiatives. We welcome this new and timely project to be part of our continuing partnership, and I hope this project will contribute to saving lives of the Bhutanese people", says Mr Kozo Watanabe, JICA Bhutan Office Chief Representative.