The Government of Japan has announced a new grant of 3.5 million US dollars for the procurement of essential oral polio vaccines, continuing its consistent support for Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio.
According to the announcement, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) will use these funds to procure more than 24 million doses of polio vaccine for vaccination campaigns planned in 2026.
Pakistan remains one of the two countries globally where the transmission of the polio virus has not yet been stopped. So far in 2025, 30 polio cases have been reported in the country. In an urgent effort to eliminate this incurable disease, the Government of Pakistan, with the support of partners, has developed the National Emergency Action Plan 2025–26 under the Roadmap to Zero, aimed at stopping polio transmission across the country.
Japan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, reaffirmed Japan’s long term commitment to Pakistan’s health priorities, stating that Japan believes protecting children from preventable diseases is one of the most important investments in a country’s future.
He said that through this cooperation, Japan renews its commitment to stand with Pakistan, UNICEF, and all partners who are tirelessly working toward the shared goal of polio eradication.
Japan’s new grant will provide critical funding to PEI for the procurement and delivery of polio vaccines. On this occasion, JICA Chief in Pakistan, Naoki Miyata, praised the strong commitment of the Government of Pakistan to ensuring that every child receives essential polio vaccines.
He said that vaccines are among the most effective ways to protect children and communities, and expressed confidence that this support will be effectively utilized through the dedication of frontline workers and the engagement of parents and communities.
Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, said that eliminating polio from the country is a shared goal and that every vaccine dose, with Japan’s support, brings Pakistan closer to a polio free future.
She expressed heartfelt gratitude for Japan’s continued trust in the program and in the frontline workers.
UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Pernille Ironside, said that Japan’s support continues to play a vital role in Pakistan’s progress toward polio eradication.
She stated that this cooperation will help ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, receives the polio vaccine, and added that UNICEF values Japan’s partnership with the Government of Pakistan and communities across the country in protecting children, strengthening health systems, and building a polio free future.
The Government of Japan is a long standing partner in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, and since 1996, Japan has provided more than 245 million US dollars in grants and loans through UNICEF to protect millions of children across Pakistan.
