Japan announces $3.1 million grant to support Pakistan’s Polio Programme
ISLAMABAD: The Government of Japan has announced a new grant of US$ 3.1 million to purchase essential oral polio vaccines as part of its ongoing support for polio eradication efforts in Pakistan. The funds will enable the Pakistan Polio Programme to procure more than 20.22 million doses of vaccines, which will be used in polio campaigns in 2025.
Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world where polio has not yet been fully eradicated. In 2024, the country reported 59 polio cases. Given the current increase in cases, the Government of Pakistan, in partnership with various organizations, is set to implement a comprehensive, aggressive, and strategic action plan in 2025 to eliminate this life-threatening disease among children. Each national immunization campaign aims to vaccinate over 45.4 million children under the age of five, supported by more than 400,000 frontline workers, primarily women, who play a critical role in ensuring the success of the Polio Programme.PTCL Group Reports 15% YoY revenue growth
“Despite the challenges, Pakistan remains committed to eradicating polio by mid-2025,” said Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services. “As we prepare for the 2025 polio campaigns, we will continue to focus on overcoming the remaining obstacles to reaching all children, in collaboration with our partners.”
Dr. Bharath also expressed gratitude for Japan’s unwavering support: “The Government of Japan’s continued assistance has been vital in helping us move closer to our goal of zero cases. We are deeply thankful to Japan for its ongoing support in our fight against polio.”
Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq further emphasized the importance of Japan’s support, stating, “The challenges of 2024 highlight the need to accelerate our efforts. With Japan’s continued partnership, we are strengthening our resolve to eradicate polio by mid-2025, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.”
Mr. TAKANO Shuichi, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan, stated, “Japan has supported Pakistan in its battle against polio for nearly 30 years, overcoming numerous challenges such as floods, COVID-19, and terrorist attacks. As this year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Pakistan, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting routine immunization, including polio vaccination.”
This new funding is part of Japan’s ongoing support for the Polio Eradication Programme since 1996, with Japan’s total contribution to the program through UNICEF amounting to approximately US$ 242.194 million.
Mr. MIYATA Naoaki, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s dedication to ensuring all children receive the vital vaccine: “We are confident that vaccines will be effectively used with the support of parents, communities, and frontline workers. We hope this year’s campaigns will lead to zero polio cases.”
UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Mr. Abdullah Fadil, also stressed the urgency of vaccination efforts: “The rise in polio cases this year underscores the need to protect every child through immunization. As long as polio exists anywhere, every child is at risk. With continued support from partners like Japan, UNICEF remains fully committed to making Pakistan polio-free and ensuring that no child is left behind.”
