8,250 Drinking Cups to Support Safer and More Hygienic Mass Drug Administration in West Sepik

Lymphatic filariasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO). Transmitted through mosquito bites, LF can cause painful episodes of illness, fever, chronic swelling, and lymphoedema. These conditions can have lasting impacts on people's health, livelihoods, education and quality of life.

The PNG Government, with support from WHO, JICA and other national and international partners, continues to strengthen efforts to address LF and other NTDs. Through its technical cooperation project, Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis Project Phase 2, JICA supports NDoH and provincial health authorities (PHAs) in their efforts towards LF elimination.

A key feature of this initiative is the collaboration between Japanese businesses and JICA's ongoing technical cooperation in PNG.

Since 2013, Eisai has manufactured and supplied approximately 2.86 billion diethylcarbamazine (DEC) tablets free of charge through WHO to 33 countries working towards LF elimination (as of June 2026). This includes approximately 15 million tablets provided to PNG. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Eisai also worked with JICA to provide 50,000 masks and 35,000 gloves to the PNG Ministry of Health, helping support the safe resumption of MDA activities.

The 8,250 drinking cups were made possible through Eisai's One-Coin Donation initiative, a voluntary employee fundraising programme. Under this initiative, employees make regular personal contributions, which Eisai matches through a corporate matching-gift arrangement. The combined contributions have now been translated into practical support for communities participating in MDA in PNG.

Ela Motors, a longstanding business in PNG, also joined the initiative, supporting export arrangements and international transportation from Japan to Port Moresby. JICA facilitated import and customs clearance procedures in PNG and onward domestic transportation to West Sepik Province.

By combining Eisai's experience in LF elimination and the commitment of its employees, Ela Motors' logistics capabilities and local networks, and JICA's technical cooperation with national and PHA, the partners have been able to turn an identified need on the ground into practical assistance.

The initiative demonstrates how collaboration between the private sector and development partners can complement government-led health programmes and help address specific development challenges in PNG.

During the handover ceremony, the PNG Government expressed its appreciation for the donation.

Mr. SHIROUZU Kenichi, Chief Representative (CR) of the JICA PNG Office, highlighted that the contribution represented more than the provision of essential supplies. It reflected a shared commitment, solidarity and partnership among organisations working towards better health outcomes for the people of PNG.

In a video message, Mr. MASAKA Teruyuki, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Eisai, reflected on Japan's own history with LF. Once an endemic country, Japan achieved elimination in the 1970s through sustained efforts by government agencies, healthcare professionals, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and local communities. Drawing on this experience, he expressed Eisai's hope to continue working alongside the people of PNG towards a future in which children can speak of LF as a disease of the past. He also explained how the donation began with a simple question raised by Eisai employees: "What can we do to help people take our medicine safely?" Their response was to mobilise voluntary contributions to provide drinking cups for MDA, helping people take their medicines safely and with confidence.

Mr. MIKAMI Masaru, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ela Motors, also expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to support the initiative and work alongside partners towards eliminating the disease. He referred to the core corporate mission, "Passing on a better Earth to the children of the future," reflecting a shared commitment to contributing to a better future for the next generation.

As of early October 2026, the donated cups have arrived in Vanimo, the capital of West Sepik Province, following transportation from Port Moresby. They will be distributed to local MDA teams through WSPHA for use during the campaign.

Eliminating LF and other NTDs is more than protecting people currently affected by these diseases. By interrupting transmission and reducing the health and social burden of preventable diseases, elimination efforts can help create an environment where children can grow up healthy, pursue their education and realise their potential without the limitations imposed by these diseases. Achieving this vision requires sustained collaboration among governments, development partners, the private sector, civil society and local communities, with each contributing its own expertise, resources and experience.

JICA remains committed to supporting PNG Government-led efforts to eliminate LF and address other NTDs. By working with Japanese businesses and a broad range of partners, JICA will continue to connect Japanese expertise, technology, networks and individual contributions with practical solutions to PNG's development challenges, helping build a healthier future for the next generation.