Islamabad: 18 November 2025 <\/p>\n
The Government of Japan has announced a new US$ 3.5 million grant to procure essential oral polio vaccines as part of its continued support to Pakistan\u2019s polio eradication efforts. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) will use these funds to procure more than 24 million doses of vaccines to support polio campaigns in 2026.<\/p>\n
Pakistan remains one of only two countries globally yet to stop the transmission of poliovirus. So far in 2025, Pakistan has reported a total of 30 cases. In an urgent effort to eradicate the incurable disease, the Government of Pakistan, with support from partners, has developed the National Emergency Action Plan 2025\u201326 under the Roadmap to Zero, aimed at stopping polio transmission across the country. Each national immunization drive targets over 45 million children under five, supported by more than 400,000 frontline health workers who play a vital role in reaching communities and delivering vaccines.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis partnership represents more than financial assistance; it reflects solidarity and shared purpose,\u201d said Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister\u2019s Focal Person on Polio Eradication. \u201cEvery dose of vaccine and every outreach effort supported through Japan\u2019s contribution brings us closer to a polio-free Pakistan. We are deeply grateful for Japan\u2019s continued confidence in our programme and our frontline workers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr. Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, reaffirmed Japan\u2019s long-term commitment to Pakistan\u2019s health priorities. \u201cJapan has always believed that protecting children from preventable diseases is one of the most important investments in a nation\u2019s future.\u201d he said. \u201cThrough this support, we renew our commitment to stand with Pakistan, UNICEF and all partners who continue to work tirelessly toward our shared goal of eradicating polio.\u201d<\/p>\n
The newly signed grant will provide critical funding to the PEI for the procurement and delivery of polio vaccines, reinforcing ongoing progress to interrupt the spread of poliovirus and sustain the gains achieved in recent years. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe appreciate the Government of Pakistan\u2019s strong commitment to ensuring that every child receives the essential polio vaccine,\u201d said Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative, JICA Pakistan Office. \u201cVaccines remain one of the most effective ways to protect children and communities, and we are confident that this support will be used effectively through the dedication of frontline workers and the engagement of parents and communities. We look forward to continued progress toward achieving a polio-free Pakistan.\u201d<\/p>\n
The new funding also underscores the importance of strong partnerships in achieving shared global health goals. <\/p>\n
\u201cJapan\u2019s support continues to be instrumental in Pakistan\u2019s progress toward ending polio,\u201d said Ms. Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. \u201cThis contribution will help ensure that every child, no matter where they live, receives the polio vaccine. We deeply value Japan\u2019s partnership with UNICEF, the Government of Pakistan, and communities across the country to protect children, strengthen health systems, and build a future free of polio.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Government of Japan has been a long-standing partner of Pakistan\u2019s polio eradication efforts. Since 1996, Japan has contributed over US$ 245 million in grants and loans through UNICEF to protect millions of children across\u00a0Pakistan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Islamabad: 18 November 2025 The Government of Japan has announced a new US$ 3.5 million grant to procure essential oral polio vaccines as part of its continued support to Pakistan\u2019s polio eradication efforts. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) will use these funds to procure […]<\/p>\n
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