The Foreign Ministry has given an outside health expert who specializes in infectious diseases the task of helping shape diplomatic policies on aid to developing countries.

Osamu Kunii, 38, a former lecturer at the University of Tokyo and Juntendo University, was given a post equivalent to division assistant director on Monday, a post he will hold for three years, the ministry said.

It is the first time the Foreign Ministry has hired outside help. Recently approved legislation allows government ministries and agencies to hire outside experts and scholars for preset terms, the ministry said.

Kunii has lectured on topics including public health and international health medicine. He also participated in some of the ministry's health-related assistance projects under the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Kunii will be assigned to the research and programming division of the Economic Cooperation Bureau and is expected to advise on and supervise tasks pertaining to health and medicine assistance for developing countries.

Kunii is licensed to practice medicine and has earned a doctorate in public health from Harvard University's School of Public Health and a doctorate in medicine from the University of Tokyo.