ISLAMABAD -UNS:The Government of Japan has announced a new US$ 3.62 million grant
to procure essential oral polio vaccines as part of its continued support to polio eradication efforts in
Pakistan. Pakistan Polio Programme will use these funds to procure more than 21 million doses of
vaccines to support polio campaigns in 2024.
Pakistan is one of only two countries globally that has yet to stop polio. In 2023, Pakistan reported a
total of 6 cases of polio. With polio cases cornered to only a few locations in the country, the
Government of Pakistan and partners are preparing to launch an aggressive plan of activities in 2024 to
stop this life altering disease for children. Each national immunization drive targets over 44 million
children under the age of five, with more than 370,000 frontline workers, predominantly women,
playing a crucial role to ensure the Polio Programme's outreach.
"Despite the challenges, Pakistan will remain relentless in our drive to put an end to polio in the next
year,” said Dr. Nadeem Jan, Federal Health Minister, Government of Pakistan. “As we prepare to launch
polio campaigns in 2024, together with our partners we will maintain an emergency focus towards
resolving the remaining challenges that stand in our way to reach all children. “
"The unwavering support of the Government of Japan has been instrumental in helping us get closer to
reaching zero cases. We are thankful to the Government and people of Japan for their continued
support towards polio eradication in Pakistan," Dr. Nadeem Jan added.
Mr. ITO Takeshi, Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan, appreciated the significant gains
made last year in controlling the spread of poliovirus. “I would like to express my sincere respect to polio
workers and law enforcement agencies for their dedicated mission for humanity”, said Mr. ITO. Noting
the importance of a clear and strong commitment by the Pakistani leadership to end polio, he said,
"Japan would like to renew its commitment to continuing its efforts toward the ultimate goal of polio
eradication by promoting routine immunization.”
The new funding is part of the continuous support from the Government of Japan to the Polio
Eradication programme since 1996. To date, the grant and loan contribution from the Government of
Japan has amounted to approx. US$ 242.16 million dollars to support the Polio programme in Pakistan
through UNICEF.
“We appreciate the government’s commitment to making all-out efforts to ensure all children receive
the essential vaccine. We believe that vaccines, the most effective way to strengthen children’s
immunity, will be used effectively with the understanding of parents and communities and the efforts of
frontline workers. We sincerely hope that all the polio campaigns of this year will be conducted
successfully toward zero polio cases”, said Mr. Tsuyoshi Hara, Senior Representative, JICA Pakistan
Office.
“With fewer cases reported in 2023 compared to 2022, we find ourselves at the crossroads between
progress and regression. Six cases are far too many, meaning six children affected permanently by
polio,” said Melissa Corkum, UNICEF Chief of Polio in Pakistan. “Today with this generous pledge from
the Government and people of Japan, we renew our commitment to ensuring a polio-free world. One
step forward, no steps back towards reaching all children with life-saving vaccines.”
