Japan vows to support polio eradication in Pakistan

Islamabad

The Government of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) Tuesday signed an agreement of Japanese Yen 404 million ($4 million) grant for ‘the Project for the Control and Eradication of Poliomyelitis,’ says a press release.

The latest grant will support the procurement of 3.9 million doses of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) and associated items; sufficient to vaccinate 3.3 million children between 4 to 23 months of age in the highest risk districts of the polio virus in Pakistan.

Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister Focal Person for Polio Eradication speaking at signing ceremony said, “The current polio virus picture for Pakistan is the best ever seen. We are most definitely at a crossroad now - we are close but we will need everyone’s commitment to reach our goal.”

Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq said, “I take this opportunity to extend the appreciation and gratitude to Government of Japan for its unwavering support to Pakistan’s effort to reach every missed child, and to end polio forever.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Pakistan, Takashi Kurai was optimistic about headway in polio control. “We are hopeful that the use of IPV in vaccination campaigns will ensure any emerging immunity gap among the new born and other children younger than two years in areas that continue to harbour the polio virus is quickly closed”,  the Japanese Ambassador said.

JICA Chief Representative in Pakistan Yasuhiro Tojo said, “There has been real progress in reducing the number of new infections in Pakistan. Now is the time to make the final push to eradicate polio.” “We hope this investment will ensure future generations will no longer have their lives blighted by this crippling disease,” he said.

Deputy Representative of Unicef Pakistan Cristian Munduate said, “Japan is a time-honoured and trusted supporter of the children of Pakistan.”

She said, “Unicef is thankful to government and people of Japan for their generous contributions to Pakistan Polio Programme.” “This grant represents a major commitment by Japan to the health of children in Pakistan,” she added.

Pakistan is making significant progress in the fight against polio. Last year, Pakistan achieved an 82% reduction in the number of children paralyzed by polio down to 54 cases compared to 306 in 2014.