- Funding to Facilitate Procurement of More Than 28 Million Vaccine Doses for 2027; Tokyo Reaffirms Longstanding Commitment to a Polio-Free Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: The Government of Japan has announced a new grant of US$4.3 million to support Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the two countries in protecting children against the preventable but incurable disease.
The funding will enable Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) to procure more than 28 million doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV) for vaccination campaigns planned in 2027.
The new contribution comes at a critical stage in Pakistan’s national eradication campaign, as the country intensifies efforts to interrupt poliovirus transmission and achieve its target of a polio-free future.
Pakistan Intensifies Efforts Amid Continuing Polio Challenges
Pakistan remains one of only two countries worldwide where wild poliovirus transmission has not yet been interrupted.
Despite considerable progress, persistent transmission in certain areas continues to pose challenges to the national eradication programme.
According to the latest figures provided by the Polio Eradication Initiative, Pakistan recorded 74 polio cases in 2024, followed by 31 in 2025 and eight cases so far in 2026. Six of the eight cases reported this year have emerged from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where insecurity and limited access to communities continue to complicate vaccination efforts.
The continued detection of poliovirus highlights the importance of sustained immunisation campaigns, strengthened surveillance and ensuring that every child receives the required vaccine doses.
To accelerate progress, the Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with international partners, has developed the National Emergency Action Plan 2026–27 under the Roadmap to Zero, setting an ambitious target of interrupting poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027.
Each nationwide immunisation campaign aims to reach more than 45 million children under the age of five, supported by over 400,000 frontline health workers who play a crucial role in delivering vaccines and reaching vulnerable communities.
Pakistan Appreciates Japan’s Continued Support
Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, welcomed Japan’s latest contribution, describing it as timely support for Pakistan’s intensified efforts to eliminate the disease.
She said:
“The Government of Japan’s contribution comes at a critical time as Pakistan intensifies its efforts to interrupt poliovirus transmission and end this preventable disease. Every dose of vaccine supported through Japan’s contribution brings us closer to a polio-free Pakistan.”
She expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their continued commitment and partnership in supporting Pakistan’s national eradication programme and protecting children across the country.
Japan Reaffirms Commitment to a Polio-Free Pakistan
His Excellency Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, reaffirmed Tokyo’s longstanding commitment to supporting Pakistan’s healthcare priorities and its efforts to eradicate polio.
He noted that Japan has consistently supported Pakistan’s polio eradication programme since 1996, working closely with UNICEF and other international partners.
“Today’s new grant, which has been increased from last year, demonstrates Japan’s continued support for our shared goal of achieving a polio-free Pakistan,” the Ambassador said.
He added that Japan fully supported Pakistan’s determination to interrupt poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027.
The newly signed grant will provide essential financial assistance for vaccine procurement and delivery, helping sustain immunisation campaigns and strengthen efforts to eliminate the virus.
JICA Highlights the Role of Frontline Health Workers
Mr. Yusuke Shinozaki, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Pakistan Office, emphasised the importance of continued collaboration among the Pakistani government, international development partners and frontline health workers.
“Let us continue working together until the day when no child suffers from polio,” he said.
He commended the Government of Pakistan for its strong commitment, recognising the dedication of frontline health workers who continue to serve communities under challenging circumstances.
He also acknowledged the contributions of UNICEF and other partners in ensuring that life-saving vaccines reach children throughout the country.
UNICEF Welcomes Japan’s Continued Partnership
Ms. Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, welcomed Japan’s latest contribution, describing it as an important investment in sustaining effective vaccination campaigns and accelerating Pakistan’s progress towards polio eradication.
“Japan has been a steadfast partner in Pakistan’s efforts to end polio, and this contribution will help sustain the high-quality vaccination campaigns needed to interrupt transmission,” she said.
Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication
She appreciated Japan’s continued partnership and stressed that reaching every child with the polio vaccine remained essential to achieving a polio-free future.
She further emphasised the importance of ensuring that no child or community is left behind in the national immunisation campaign.
Japan’s Support Exceeds US$248 Million Since 1996
Japan has remained one of Pakistan’s most consistent international partners in its fight against polio.
Since 1996, the Government of Japan has provided more than US$248 million in grants and loans through UNICEF to support vaccination campaigns and strengthen Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate the disease.
The latest US$4.3 million contribution further demonstrates Japan’s commitment to international health cooperation and its determination to support Pakistan in overcoming the remaining challenges to polio eradication.
International Partnership Essential for a Polio-Free Future
The new Japanese grant represents an important contribution towards Pakistan’s 2027 vaccination requirements and reinforces the importance of sustained international cooperation in the fight against polio.
As Pakistan works towards its target of interrupting poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027, continued financial support, effective vaccination campaigns, community engagement and the dedication of frontline health workers will remain essential.
The partnership between Pakistan, Japan, UNICEF, JICA and other international stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to protecting future generations from a disease that can cause lifelong paralysis.
With Japan’s continued support and Pakistan’s renewed determination, the collective goal remains clear: to reach every child, stop poliovirus transmission and secure a polio-free future for the country.
BY: The Times Union
