Announced in Islamabad on 18 November 2025, the Government of Japan will provide a US$ 3.5 million grant to the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative to procure more than 24 million doses of oral polio vaccine for campaigns planned in 2026. The Japan grant is intended to bolster national efforts to reach children across the country and sustain recent gains against poliovirus.
Pakistan remains one of only two countries still reporting poliovirus transmission, with 30 cases recorded so far in 2025. Under the National Emergency Action Plan 2025–26 and the Roadmap to Zero, each national immunisation drive aims to reach more than 45 million children under five, supported by over 400,000 frontline health workers who conduct outreach and deliver vaccines in communities nationwide.
Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, said the support underscores shared purpose: “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.” The Japan grant is being viewed in Islamabad as a timely reinforcement of operational capacity for upcoming campaigns.
His Excellency Akamatsu Shuichi, Ambassador of Japan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, reaffirmed Tokyo’s 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. Through this support, we renew our commitment to stand with Pakistan, UNICEF and all partners who continue to work tirelessly toward our shared goal of eradicating polio.” The grant will fund procurement and delivery of vaccines to support interruption of poliovirus transmission.
Mr. Naoaki Miyata, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan Office, noted that vaccines remain one of the most effective ways to protect children and communities and expressed confidence that the Japan grant will be used effectively through the dedication of frontline workers and community engagement. Ms. Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, said Japan’s contribution will help ensure every child receives the polio vaccine. Japan has supported Pakistan’s polio work for decades, contributing more than US$ 245 million in grants and loans through UNICEF since 1996, a partnership that continues to be central to the Roadmap to Zero.
