Japan aids Pakistan in purchasing polio vaccines, a significant step towards eradicating the disease

In Islamabad– The Government of Japan announced a new US$ 3.62 million grant to procure essential oral polio vaccines, continuing its support of polio eradication efforts in Pakistan. The Pakistan Polio Programme will utilize these funds to procure over 21 million doses of vaccines to bolster polio campaigns in 2024.

Pakistan, alongside Afghanistan, remains one of the last two countries globally with ongoing polio transmission. In 2023, Pakistan reported six cases of polio. With cases localized to specific areas, the Government of Pakistan and its partners gear up for an aggressive plan in 2024 to halt this debilitating disease. Each national immunization drive targets over 44 million children under five, with more than 370,000 frontline workers, predominantly women, pivotal in ensuring the Polio Programme’s outreach.

Dr. Nadeem Jan, Federal Health Minister of Pakistan, affirmed Pakistan’s relentless drive to end polio in the coming year. “Despite challenges, we remain resolute in our efforts to eradicate polio. As we prepare for polio campaigns in 2024, together with our partners, we will maintain an emergency focus to resolve remaining challenges hindering our reach to all children,” he stated.

Acknowledging Japan’s unwavering support, Dr. Nadeem Jan expressed gratitude, stating, “The unwavering support of the Government of Japan has been instrumental in getting us closer to zero cases.”

Mr. ITO Takeshi, Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan, commended last year’s significant gains in controlling the spread of the poliovirus. He lauded polio workers and law enforcement agencies for their dedication to humanity. Emphasizing the necessity of a strong commitment by Pakistani leadership to end polio, he affirmed Japan’s dedication to promoting routine immunization.

This new funding extends Japan’s continuous support to the Polio Eradication Programme since 1996. The grant and loan contributions from Japan to date total approximately US$ 242.16 million, facilitated through UNICEF, to support Pakistan’s Polio Programme.

Mr. Tsuyoshi Hara, Senior Representative, JICA Pakistan Office, expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to ensuring all children receive essential vaccines. He emphasized the importance of vaccine effectiveness and community engagement for successful polio campaigns.

Melissa Corkum, UNICEF Chief of Polio in Pakistan, highlighted the progress made in 2023 but stressed the urgency to eliminate polio. She expressed renewed commitment to ensuring a polio-free world, celebrating Japan’s pledge as a significant step towards reaching all children with life-saving vaccines.