Japan announced a $4.3 million grant on Friday to support Pakistan’s 2027 polio vaccination campaigns. Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Initiative will use the funding to buy and deliver more than 28 million doses of oral polio vaccine.
Pakistan aims to stop polio transmission by the end of 2027
Afghanistan and Pakistan remain the only countries that have never interrupted wild poliovirus transmission. Pakistan recorded 74 cases in 2024 and 31 in 2025. Its polio programme reported nine cases so far in 2026, including four in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Japanese Embassy’s release cited eight cases, including six in southern KP. Insecurity and access constraints continue to hamper vaccination in the region.
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Pakistan aims to interrupt transmission by the end of 2027. Its National Emergency Action Plan 2026–27 sets out that target under the Roadmap to Zero. Each nationwide drive targets more than 45 million children under five. More than 400,000 frontline health workers support those campaigns.
“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. “Every dose of vaccine supported through Japan’s contribution brings us closer to a polio-free Pakistan. We are 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.”
Japan’s polio support tops $248 million since 1996
Japan has provided more than $248 million in grants and loans through UNICEF since 1996. The new grant is larger than last year’s.
“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” said Japanese Ambassador Akamatsu Shuichi. “Japan fully supports Pakistan’s determination to achieve the goal of interrupting poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027.”
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“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.”
“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’s 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.”
