Amid a concerning surge of 30 reported poliovirus cases so far in 2025, the Government of Japan has announced a crucial US$ 3.5 million grant to bolster Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, as the nation remains one of only two countries globally struggling to halt the transmission of the incurable disease.
According to information today, the new funding, designated for the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), will be used to procure more than 24 million doses of essential oral polio vaccines. These vaccines are scheduled to support immunization campaigns planned for 2026.
This financial assistance comes as the Government of Pakistan intensifies its fight against the virus through its National Emergency Action Plan 2025-26, developed under the “Roadmap to Zero” strategy. Each national immunization campaign aims to reach over 45 million children under the age of five, an enormous undertaking carried out by a network of more than 400,000 frontline health workers.
“This partnership represents more than financial assistance; it reflects solidarity and shared purpose,” stated Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication. “Every dose of vaccine and every outreach effort supported through Japan’s contribution brings us closer to a polio-free Pakistan. We are deeply grateful for Japan’s continued confidence in our programme and our frontline workers.’
Reaffirming his country”s dedication, His Excellency Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, emphasized the long-term commitment to Pakistan”s health priorities. ‘Japan has always believed that protecting children from preventable diseases is one of the most important investments in a nation’s future,” he remarked.
The newly signed grant will provide critical resources to the PEI for the procurement and delivery of vaccines, reinforcing ongoing efforts to interrupt the spread of poliovirus and maintain the progress achieved in recent years.
Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative of the JICA Pakistan Office, commended Pakistan”s commitment. ‘Vaccines remain one of the most effective ways to protect children and communities, and we are confident that this support will be used effectively through the dedication of frontline workers and the engagement of parents and communities,’ he said.
Echoing these sentiments, Ms. Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, described Japan”s role as instrumental. “This contribution will help ensure that every child, no matter where they live, receives the polio vaccine. We deeply value Japan’s partnership with UNICEF, the Government of Pakistan, and communities across the country to protect children,” she noted.
This latest contribution is part of a long-standing partnership. Since 1996, Japan has provided over US$ 245 million in grants and loans through UNICEF to support polio eradication in Pakistan.