Japan gives $4.3m for 28 million polio vaccine doses for Pakistan

The Government of Japan has announced a new grant of $4.3 million to buy oral polio vaccines for Pakistan, according to TechJuice and Express News. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) will use the funds to procure more than 28 million vaccine doses for polio campaigns in 2027.

Pakistan is one of only two countries where wild poliovirus transmission has not yet been interrupted. TechJuice reported that cases fell from 74 in 2024 to 31 in 2025, and that 8 cases have been reported so far in 2026.

Six of the eight cases this year were reported from south Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where insecurity and access constraints pose challenges, according to TechJuice.

Pakistan has developed the National Emergency Action Plan 2026-27 under the Roadmap to Zero. It aims to interrupt poliovirus transmission by the end of 2027. Each national immunisation drive targets over 45 million children under five and is supported by more than 400,000 frontline health workers.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio Eradication, said: "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. Every dose of vaccine supported through Japan's contribution brings us closer to a polio-free Pakistan."

Japan's Ambassador to Pakistan, Akamatsu Shuichi, said: "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."

Yusuke Shinozaki, Chief Representative of the JICA Pakistan Office, said: "Let us continue working together until the day when no child suffers from polio." Since 1996, Japan has contributed more than $248 million in grants and loans through UNICEF for polio vaccination.