The Japanese government has pledged a $3.1 million grant to procure essential oral polio vaccine, enabling the procurement of over 20.22 million vaccine doses and supporting nationwide polio campaigns in 2025.
Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, coordinator to the prime minister on national health services, said that despite the challenges, Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating polio by mid-2025.
"As we prepare to launch polio campaigns in 2025, together with our partners we will maintain an emergency focus towards resolving the remaining challenges that stand in our way to reach all children," he added.
Thanking the Japanese government and people, Dr Bharath said that the unwavering support of the Japanese country has been instrumental in helping Pakistan get closer to reaching zero cases.
Ayesha Raza Farooq noted that the challenges faced in 2024 have underscored the critical need to accelerate our efforts to eradicate polio.
Japan's continued support, he added, has further strengthened to intensify Pakistan's efforts, aiming to achieve zero polio cases by mid-2025 under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Charge d'Affaires Takano Shuichi said that Japan has supported Pakistan in eradicating polio for nearly 30 years despite hindrances such as floods, Covid-19 and terrorist attacks. "Since this year marks the 70th anniversary of Japan's ODA to Pakistan, we would like to renew our commitment to continue to promote routine immunization including polio vaccination in Pakistan."
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