Japan pledges $4.3m to strengthen Pakistan’s polio eradication drive

ISLAMABAD – Japan has announced a grant of US$4. 3 million to help Pakistan procure essential oral polio vaccines, reaffirming its support for the country’s efforts to eradicate the crippling disease. The funding will enable the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) to procure more than 28 million vaccine doses for nationwide immunisation campaigns in 2027. Pakistan is one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus transmission has yet to be interrupted. Although the country has made considerable progress in curbing the disease, the virus continues to circulate. Polio cases declined from 74 in 2024 to 31 in 2025, while nine cases have been reported so far in 2026. Four of this year’s cases have been detected in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where insecurity and restricted access continue to hamper efforts to reach every child, according to a press release. Lahore CCPO orders supervisory officers to lead raids, operations against criminals The continued detection of poliovirus highlights the need for sustained vaccination efforts across the country to interrupt transmission and protect children from the preventable disease. To accelerate eradication efforts, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with its international partners, has developed the National Emergency Action Plan 2026-27 under the Roadmap to Zero. The plan outlines a targeted strategy to interrupt poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027. Each nationwide immunisation campaign aims to vaccinate more than 45 million children under the age of five, with the support of over 400, 000 frontline health workers who play a crucial role in reaching communities and ensuring vaccine coverage. Three men shot dead shortly after court hearing in Satiana “The Government of Japan’s contribution comes at a critical time as Pakistan intensifies its efforts to interrupt poliovirus transmission and end this preventable disease, ” said Ms Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication. “Every dose of vaccine supported through Japan’s contribution brings us closer to a polio-free Pakistan. We are grateful to the Government and people of Japan for their continued commitment and partnership in Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio and protect every child, ” she added. Police maintain process of reward and punishment Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s health priorities, highlighting its longstanding partnership in the fight against polio. “Since 1996, Japan has consistently supported Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, working closely with UNICEF and other partners. Today’s new grant, which has been increased from last year, demonstrates Japan’s continued support for our shared goal of achieving a polio-free Pakistan, ” he said. Business-friendly environment key to strengthen economy: Tehmina Daultana The newly signed grant will provide financial assistance to the PEI for the procurement and delivery of vaccines, helping sustain immunisation campaigns and consolidate progress towards interrupting poliovirus transmission. Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Pakistan Office, Yusuke Shinozaki, commended the Government of Pakistan, frontline health workers and international partners for their efforts to keep vaccination campaigns on track. “Let us continue working together until the day when no child suffers from polio, ” he said. Chiniot police solve blind murder case, three suspects arrested UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Pernille Ironside described Japan as a longstanding partner in the country’s polio eradication campaign and said the latest contribution would help sustain high-quality vaccination drives. “Japan has been a steadfast partner in Pakistan’s efforts to end polio, and this contribution will help sustain the high-quality vaccination campaigns needed to interrupt transmission, ” she said. Japan has contributed more than US$248 million in grants and loans through UNICEF since 1996 to support polio vaccination in Pakistan, making it one of the country’s longstanding international partners in the eradication campaign, the press release said.

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