Sustainable implementation of international health cooperation projects while Japanese technical experts cannot go to low- and middle-income countries because of the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions.

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japanese technical experts who have been supporting health in low-and middle- income countries (LMICs) are facing unprecedented travel restrictions. As of 11 April 2020, of 195 countries Japan has diplomatic relationship with, 181 countries have entry restrictions and 69 countries have post-entry movement restrictions (self-quarantine) for Japanese nationals or travellers from Japan. In order for technical experts to assist LMICs technically from Japan to meet the increased demand and needs in the health sector due to COVID-19, it is important to prioritize and reorganize the project activities in accordance with the local situation in particular to address three challenges i) to communicate from Japan; ii) to prioritize activities to match to the increased COVID-19 related tasks; and iii) to advocate health workers' rights and working environment.