ISLAMABAD: The Government of Japan on Friday announced a new grant of US$4.3 million to procure essential oral polio vaccines as part of its continued support for Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.
The grant will provide critical funding to the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) for the procurement and delivery of polio vaccines, supporting ongoing efforts to interrupt the spread of poliovirus and sustain the progress achieved in recent years.
The PEI will use the funds to procure more than 28 million vaccine doses to support polio vaccination campaigns in 2027.
Pakistan has made significant progress in reducing polio transmission, with cases declining from 74 in 2024 to 31 in 2025, while eight cases have been reported so far in 2026. Six of the eight cases reported this year have been recorded in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where insecurity and access constraints continue to pose significant challenges to reaching every child.
“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,” said Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication.
She said every dose of vaccine supported through Japan’s contribution brings Pakistan closer to becoming polio-free. She added that they were grateful to the Government and people of Japan for their continued commitment and partnership in Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio and protect every child.
In an urgent effort to eradicate the disease, the Government of Pakistan, with support from its partners, has developed the National Emergency Action Plan 2026–27 under the Roadmap to Zero. The plan outlines a focused approach to interrupting poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027.
Each national immunisation campaign targets more than 45 million children under the age of five and is supported by over 400,000 frontline health workers, who play a vital role in reaching communities and administering vaccines.
Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, reaffirmed Japan’s continued commitment to supporting Pakistan’s health priorities.
“Since 1996, Japan has consistently supported Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, working closely with UNICEF and other 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,” he said.
The ambassador noted that Japan fully supported Pakistan’s determination to achieve the goal of interrupting poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027.
“Let us continue working together until the day when no child suffers from polio,” said Yusuke Shinozaki, Chief Representative of the JICA Pakistan Office.
“We sincerely commend the strong commitment of the Government of Pakistan, the dedication of frontline health workers who continue to serve communities under challenging circumstances, and the tireless efforts of UNICEF and all other partners to deliver life-saving vaccines to every child,” he added.
The new funding underscores the importance of sustained international partnerships as Pakistan works to build on the progress achieved and maintain the momentum needed to end poliovirus transmission.
“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,” said Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
“UNICEF deeply appreciates Japan’s continued partnership. By ensuring every child is reached with the polio vaccine, we can bring Pakistan closer to a polio-free future and leave no child behind,” she added.
The Government of Japan has been a longstanding partner in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. Since 1996, Japan has contributed more than US$248 million in grants and loans through UNICEF to support polio vaccination and help Pakistan achieve a polio-free future.
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