Reaching Zero-Dose Children Representative Proposes ODA Disbursement Transparency to Address 'Why Provide Overseas Aid' Question

Aoi Katagiri, representative of Reaching Zero-Dose Children, spoke at the Policy Pitch held at the Todofuken Kaikan on Monday, April 27.

As questions arise in many countries regarding why overseas aid should be prioritized when domestic issues abound, international health governance faces an unprecedented crisis. Katagiri argues that Japan must demonstrate leadership in rebuilding multilateral cooperation and has compiled specific recommendations.

A lack of sufficient information provided to the public regarding the funding sources and sustainability of ODA is a major cause of skepticism and misunderstanding. To address this, the organization demands the creation and publication of reports in two stages: before and after disbursement.

Regarding pre-disbursement, they request the calculation and clear declaration of the benefits (e.g., economic effects from pandemic avoidance, additional orders for Japanese companies) and the potential losses for Japan if the aid is not provided (e.g., economic losses from pandemics). Furthermore, they request disclosures on the international aid requests, Japan’s burden ratio, comparisons with other donor nations, past performance indicators, and the positioning within the national budget.

Regarding post-disbursement, they propose setting objective, verifiable KPIs prioritizing improvements in beneficiary nations, such as the number of technology transfers, local job creation, and human resource development. They also advocate for requesting that international organization secretariats produce 'Japan Contribution Outcome Reports,' summarizing the use of funds, results, and participation of Japanese companies.

During the session, audience members posed practical questions regarding the policies youth generations support and whether examples of pre- and post-disbursement evaluations exist in other countries, leading to a productive discussion.

About Reaching Zero-Dose Children

Reaching Zero-Dose Children is a youth-led organization tackling the issue of 'zero-dose' children—those who have never received a single vaccine. Through vaccine equity, international health initiatives, health communication, policy advocacy, and educational activities, the group aims to deliver life-saving vaccines to every child. Moving forward, they remain committed to achieving more equitable access to immunization by valuing local voices, fostering youth participation, and promoting international collaboration.