The Government of Japan has announced a new grant of US$ 4.3 million to procure essential oral polio vaccines as part of its continued support to Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) will use these funds to procure more than 28 million vaccine doses to support polio campaigns in 2027. Pakistan is one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus transmission has not yet been interrupted. The country has made significant progress in reducing polio transmission, with cases declining from 74 in 2024 to 31 in 2025, and 8 cases reported so far in 2026. Six of the eight cases in 2026 have been reported from south Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where insecurity and access constraints continue to pose significant challenges to reaching every child.
The continued detection of poliovirus underscores the need for sustained efforts to interrupt transmission everywhere and protect every child.
In an urgent effort to eradicate the incurable disease, the Government of Pakistan, with support from partners, has developed the National Emergency Action Plan 2026–27 under the Roadmap to Zero, setting out a focused approach to interrupting poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027.
Each national immunization drive targets over 45 million children under five, supported by more than 400,000 frontline health workers who play a vital role in reaching communities and delivering vaccines. “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.”
Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, 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. “Japan fully supports Pakistan’s determination to achieve the goal of interrupting poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027.”
The newly signed grant will provide critical funding to the PEI for the procurement and delivery of polio vaccines, supporting ongoing progress to interrupt the spread of poliovirus and sustain the gains achieved in recent years. “Let us continue working together until the day wahen no child suffers from polio,” said Yusuke Shinozaki, Chief Representative, 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.”
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.”
