The Government of Japan has pledged a $3.1 million grant to support Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio. This grant will fund the procurement of over 20.22 million doses of oral polio vaccines (OPV) for use in the country’s 2025 immunization campaigns. The announcement highlights Japan’s nearly 30-year commitment to supporting Pakistan’s battle against this debilitating disease, despite challenges like floods, terrorist attacks, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Persistent Challenge
Pakistan remains one of only two countries worldwide, alongside Afghanistan, where polio has not yet been eradicated. As of 2024, the country has reported 59 cases of polio, with regional breakdowns revealing 26 cases in Balochistan, 16 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 15 in Sindh, and one each in Punjab and Islamabad. The recent surge in cases has highlighted the urgency of strengthening vaccination efforts and reaching unvaccinated children. Alarmingly, unvaccinated children account for 60% of the reported cases, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services.
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Comprehensive Action Plan for 2025
In response to the rising cases, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with global partners like UNICEF and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is preparing an extensive action plan for 2025. The plan aims to achieve zero polio cases by mid-2025 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Each national immunization drive targets over 45.4 million children under the age of five, supported by more than 400,000 frontline workers, the majority of whom are women.
Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, expressed optimism about achieving the target with Japan’s continued support. “The challenges of 2024 have underscored the critical need to accelerate our efforts to eradicate polio. With Japan’s support, we are further strengthened to intensify our efforts,” she said.
Japan’s Long-Standing Commitment
Japan has been a steadfast partner in Pakistan’s fight against polio since 1996, contributing approximately $242.2 million through grants and loans to UNICEF for the Polio Eradication Programme. Mr. Takano Shuichi, Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan, reaffirmed his country’s dedication to this cause, stating, “As this year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan’s Official Development Assistance to Pakistan, we renew our commitment to promote routine immunization, including polio vaccination.”
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UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, emphasized the significance of the grant in supporting vaccination efforts. “The sharp rise in polio cases this year is a reminder of the urgent need to protect every child. As long as there is polio anywhere, every child remains at risk,” he said. The funds will also be used to strengthen the infrastructure and delivery systems for vaccines, ensuring that even the most remote areas of Pakistan are reached.