Islamabad, Dec 11: In a significant boost to Pakistan’s fight against polio, the Government of Japan has pledged a US$ 3.1 million grant to procure essential oral polio vaccines. This funding will enable the Pakistan Polio Programme to secure over 20.22 million doses for vaccination campaigns scheduled in 2025.
As one of the last two countries battling polio, Pakistan has reported 59 cases of the disease in 2024, highlighting the urgent need for continued action.
In response, the Government of Pakistan has partnered with global organizations to implement an aggressive action plan aimed at eradicating polio by mid-2025.
The plan includes vaccinating over 45.4 million children under five years of age, with more than 400,000 frontline workers—mainly women—ensuring comprehensive outreach.
“Pakistan is committed to eradicating polio by mid-2025, and with the support of our partners, we will overcome the challenges and vaccinate every child,” said Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services.
This grant further strengthens Japan’s longstanding support for Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, which has totaled nearly US$ 242 million since 1996. Mr. TAKANO Shuichi, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan, emphasized Japan’s continued commitment, stating, “Despite numerous challenges, Japan has been a steadfast partner in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts for nearly 30 years.”
This grant is part of Japan’s broader initiative to promote routine immunization in Pakistan, marking the 70th anniversary of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the country.
UNICEF, a key partner in the polio program, echoed the urgency of intensified vaccination efforts. “Every child remains at risk as long as polio exists anywhere,” said Mr. Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. “With Japan’s continued support, we are confident in Pakistan’s path to a polio-free future.”
Polio is a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under five, potentially causing paralysis or death. While there is no cure, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease, and immunization campaigns have helped make most of the world polio-free.
The funding from Japan marks another critical step in the collective effort to eliminate polio, safeguarding future generations in Pakistan and beyond.
