The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s polio eradication drive by enabling procurement of millions of oral doses for the 2026 campaigns. A newly announced grant of US$3.5 million will help ensure an uninterrupted supply of polio vaccines as health teams intensify efforts to stop poliovirus transmission nationwide.
Each nationwide campaign plans to vaccinate over 45 million children under five, delivered by some 400,000 dedicated frontline workers. The scale of the 2026 rounds underscores the continued need for reliable vaccine procurement and logistics to protect children across Pakistan.
Ms. Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, welcomed Japan’s support and highlighted its impact on access to immunization. Japan’s support continues to be instrumental in ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, receives the polio vaccine. Together, we are building a future free of polio.
Japan has been one of Pakistan’s most steadfast partners in the fight against polio, contributing more than US$245 million since 1996 to protect millions of children. The latest US$3.5 million grant builds on that long-term partnership to keep vaccine stocks steady ahead of the 2026 campaigns.
With renewed international backing, Pakistani health authorities and partners aim to capitalise on consistent supplies of polio vaccines to reduce transmission and move closer to national and global eradication goals.
