ISLAMABAD: Japan’s Government has pledged a new grant of $3.62 to support ongoing anti-polio efforts in Pakistan.
The funds will be utilized by the Pakistan Polio Programme to acquire over 21 million doses of oral polio vaccines, facilitating polio campaigns throughout 2024, according to a press release on Wednesday.
As one of the only two countries worldwide still combating polio, Pakistan reported a total of 6 polio cases in 2023. With the disease now confined to specific locations, the Pakistani government and its partners are gearing up for an intensive series of activities in 2024 to eradicate polio.
Each national immunization drive aims to reach over 44 million children under the age of five, with more than 370,000 frontline workers, predominantly women, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the program’s outreach.
Dr. Nadeem Jan, the caretaker Federal Health Minister, expressed Pakistan’s determination to end polio in the coming year despite challenges. He acknowledged the instrumental support from the Japanese government, thanking them for their continued commitment to polio eradication in Pakistan.
ITO Takeshi, Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan, commended the substantial progress made last year in controlling the spread of the poliovirus. He extended his appreciation to polio workers and law enforcement agencies for their dedicated humanitarian mission.
Highlighting the importance of a strong commitment from Pakistani leadership to eradicate polio, Mr. ITO stated that Japan renewed its commitment to supporting efforts toward the ultimate goal of polio eradication, emphasizing routine immunization.
This new funding adds to Japan’s continuous support for the Polio Eradication program in Pakistan since 1996. To date, the Japanese government has contributed approximately $242.16 million in grants and loans through UNICEF to support Pakistan’s Polio program.
Tsuyoshi Hara, Senior Representative at the JICA Pakistan Office, appreciated the government’s commitment to ensuring all children receive essential vaccines. He emphasized the effective use of vaccines, the most potent means to strengthen children’s immunity, and expressed hope for successful polio campaigns in the ongoing year toward zero polio cases.
