Japan grants US$4.3 million for Pakistan polio vaccines
The Government of Japan announced a new US$4.3 million grant in Islamabad on November 13 to procure oral polio vaccines for Pakistan's eradication efforts.
Funds target 2027 campaigns
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative will use these funds to purchase more than 28 million vaccine doses. These supplies will support polio campaigns scheduled for the year 2027 across the nation. Japan is one of only two countries where wild poliovirus transmission has not yet been interrupted globally. The country recorded cases declining from 74 in 2024 to 31 in 2025 so far. Eight cases have been reported in 2026 with six occurring in south Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
National plan addresses insecurity
Insecurity and access constraints continue to pose significant challenges for reaching every child in affected areas. The government developed the National Emergency Action Plan 2026-27 under the Roadmap to Zero strategy. Over 45 million children under five years of age are the focus of each national immunization drive. More than 400,000 frontline health workers play a vital role in delivering vaccines to communities.
Officials express gratitude
Ayesha Raza Farooq stated the contribution comes at a critical time for interrupting transmission. She noted every supported dose brings Pakistan closer to becoming polio free by 2027. Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi reaffirmed Japan's consistent support since 1996 working closely with UNICEF partners. Yusuke Shinozaki of JICA Pakistan Office urged continued joint work until no child suffers from the disease.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- Associated Press of Pakistan
- Dawn
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.