risks have increased, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as well as the
situation surrounding Israel and Palestine worsening since terror attacks on Israel by
Hamas and others in 2023. On the first day of this year 2024, the Noto Peninsula
earthquake occurred in Japan, resulting in the loss of lives and significant damage. In
the affected areas, the spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza,
and norovirus infections, further complicated the situation, making it crucial to ensure
medical care systems, stable supply of pharmaceuticals, infection control, and support
for the health of the elderly. Furthermore, large-scale movements of refugees due to
climate change are anticipated in the future, increasing the need for humanitarian
assistance, including health care needs.
Japan is one of the countries with the most extensive knowledge in the field of
Disaster Risk Management (DRM) because of its numerous domestic experiences
with disasters, and there is a significant potential for contributing to global efforts.
Various global health challenges threatening people’s lives and health are not limited
to developing counties; their impacts also affect Japan directly and indirectly. As Japan
continues to contribute in areas where it has deep expertise, such as promoting UHC,
DRM, and aging issues, the MHLW will keep to contribute to the international
community.
The United Nations’ Special Report on Human Security
Since 2002, Japan has advocated for human security by combining human
empowerment and human protection, using a community-based approach to address
individual security from a micro perspective. Over the past two decades, while
technological advancements supporting human security have accelerated, risks such
as climate change and pandemics have also become more severe.
Consequently, there has been a recognition of the need to consider human
security from a macro perspective in addition to this micro approach. In 2022, the
United Nations Development Program (UNDP) released the "Special Report on
Human Security.” This report emphasizes the importance of addressing human
security and health challenges by analyzing the causal relationship between global
changes and health risks, implementing measures, and conducting risk management
to achieve “coexistence between humanity and the planet.” It also underscores the
necessity for cross-border "solidarity."

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