JICA Turns Over Medical Equipment to Strengthen Maternal and Child Health Services in BARMM

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in partnership with the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM), conducted a turnover ceremony in Cotabato City on August 27, 2026. Various obstetric and neonatal care medical equipment valued at two million pesos was procured under the Project for Strengthening Services in Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Improvement in BARMM. The equipment will be distributed to beneficiary health facilities across the region to support the delivery of quality maternal, newborn, and child health services.

JICA Senior Representative HASHIMOTO Hidenori highlighted that "Every piece of equipment being turned over today represents an investment in safer pregnancies, safer childbirth, and healthier futures for families across the region." The turnover of medical equipment such as obstetric delivery tables with stirrups, examination tables, bassinets, and other essential birthing and newborn care devices represents the continued commitment of JICA, MOH-BARMM, local government units, and healthcare workers in ensuring that mothers, newborns, and children in BARMM receive quality, timely, and life-saving healthcare services.

The equipment is expected to enhance the capacity of healthcare facilities to provide essential maternity care services and improve the readiness of healthcare providers to respond to maternal and neonatal health needs. The support forms part of broader project efforts aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and contributing to the reduction of preventable maternal and neonatal deaths in BARMM.

MOH-BARMM Minister Kadil Sinolinding and the recipient facilities expressed their strong commitment to properly utilize and maintain the equipment and further improve maternal and child healthcare services in the region.

Since its inception, the project for Strengthening Services in Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition Improvement in BARMM or the Ina-WaTaNu BARMM Project has implemented key initiatives, including baseline assessments, capacity-building activities for healthcare workers, and interventions designed to strengthen maternal and neonatal health systems in the region. These efforts provide a foundation for sustainable improvements in health service delivery and support BARMM's goal of improving maternal and child health outcomes.

The turnover of medical equipment marks another milestone in the implementation of the Ina-WaTaNu BARMM Project and demonstrates the continued partnership between JICA and MOH-BARMM in building stronger and more resilient health systems for the people of the Bangsamoro region.