Highlighting Japan’s Commitment and Innovation Ahead of the Global Fund’s 8th Replenishment

On November 18, SORA Technology Co., Ltd . (Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan; Founder & CEO: Yosuke Kaneko) participated in a high-level courtesy visit to Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi. The visit was conducted as part of the Business Leaders Supporting Global Health, a coalition led by Ken Shibusawa (CEO, Shibusawa and Company, Inc.).
During the meeting, the coalition presented a policy proposal titled “Strengthening Japan’s Diplomacy Through Health and Medical Security.”
The proposal highlighted the importance of Japan’s sustained commitment to global health financing—particularly through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria—as the institution approaches its 8th replenishment cycle, a critical moment for future global health partnerships.

Background: Global Health Financing at a Critical Juncture

Infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis continue to threaten global health security. The Global Fund remains a central mechanism for countries and partners to coordinate financing and strengthen health systems.
Given Japan’s long-standing role as a top donor, the coalition emphasized that the upcoming 8th replenishment represents a crucial moment for Japan to reinforce its commitment to global health and pandemic preparedness.

Four Key Recommendations to the Government of Japan

The proposal submitted during the meeting highlights the following actions:

1.Strategically expand ODA investments in global health, ensuring efficient spending while mobilizing private-sector financing through public–private partnerships and impact investment

2. Respond strategically to replenishment requests from global health institutions, maintaining Japan’s USD 1.08 billion commitment for the Global Fund’s 8th replenishment to secure Japan’s Board seat and reinforce its global leadership.

3. Promote procurement of innovative technologies developed by Japanese companies through global health agencies, supporting both global impact and Japan’s economic growth.

4. Strengthen international research and innovation partnerships, enhancing vaccine and pharmaceutical development capabilities essential for global health security.

SORA Technology’s Contribution to Malaria Control

SORA Technology has been advancing data-driven malaria control across Africa through the use of satellite imagery, drones, and artificial intelligence to identify larval habitats and support targeted vector control.
Supported by JICA, SORA developed aerial larval-site detection technology that has since been adopted by WHO with Unitaid support, making it the first Japan-based startup technology to achieve international standardization in mosquito-borne disease control.

Comment from Yosuke Kaneko, Founder & CEO of SORA Technology

“Japan’s continued leadership in the Global Fund’s 8th replenishment is essential to advancing the fight against malaria.
SORA Technology is committed to supporting Global Fund–financed programs with scalable, evidence-based tools that enhance targeting efficiency and maximize impact in malaria-endemic regions.
We hope Japan’s pledge will be accompanied by the integration of innovative technologies from Japanese startups to accelerate progress globally.”

About the Business Leaders Supporting Global Health Coalition

Led by Ken Shibusawa, the coalition comprises leaders from Japan’s private　sector—including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, finance, digital technology, and supply chain—who are committed to contributing to global health and infectious disease control.
Members include both major corporations and emerging startups working across diverse fields that support global health initiatives.

Future Outlook

SORA Technology aims to achieve “Zero Malaria Deaths in Africa” by expanding its AI- and drone-enabled disease control model. Building on the meeting with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SORA will continue strengthening partnerships with international organizations—including the Global Fund—and governmental malaria programs across Africa and Asia.

About SORA Technology

Company Name:SORA Technology Co., Ltd
Headquarters: Nagoya, Japan
CEO: Yosuke Kaneko (Founder & CEO)
Founded: 2020
Business Areas: Drone & AI technologies for infectious disease control, agricultural support, and disaster response
Website: https://sora-technology.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sora-technology/
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SORA Technology Co., Ltd. 
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