Islamabad, In a significant boost to Pakistan’s ongoing fight against polio, the Government of Japan has announced a US$ 3.62 million grant to procure oral polio vaccines. This funding will aid Pakistan’s Polio Programme in procuring over 21 million doses of vaccines for its 2024 campaigns, targeting the eradication of this life-altering disease in one of the last two countries globally still facing polio challenges.
According to Press Information Department, the grant from Japan comes as Pakistan reported six polio cases in 2023, with the virus remaining endemic in a few locations. The Government of Pakistan, along with its partners, is preparing an aggressive plan for 2024 to eradicate polio, especially targeting children under the age of five. Over 44 million children are the focus of each national immunization drive, with more than 370,000 frontline workers, predominantly women, playing a crucial role in these efforts.
Dr. Nadeem Jan, Federal Health Minister of Pakistan, expressed determination to end polio in the coming year, emphasizing the emergency focus on overcoming challenges to reach all children. He acknowledged the vital support of the Government of Japan in getting closer to reaching zero cases and expressed gratitude for their continued assistance in polio eradication efforts.
Mr. ITO Takeshi, Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan, lauded the significant progress made in controlling the poliovirus last year and conveyed respect to polio workers and law enforcement agencies for their humanitarian mission. Emphasizing the importance of the Pakistani leadership’s commitment to ending polio, he reaffirmed Japan’s dedication to supporting routine immunization and the ultimate goal of polio eradication.
The latest funding is a continuation of the Japanese Government’s support to Pakistan’s Polio Eradication programme since 1996, amounting to approximately US$ 242.16 million through UNICEF. Mr. Tsuyoshi Hara, Senior Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, highlighted the importance of effective vaccine use, parental understanding, and the efforts of frontline workers.
Melissa Corkum, UNICEF Chief of Polio in Pakistan, noted the crucial juncture in the fight against polio, with fewer cases reported in 2023 compared to 2022, but stressed that six cases are still too many. She emphasized the renewed commitment to a polio-free world with the generous pledge from Japan, aiming for no setbacks in reaching all children with life-saving vaccines.