$4.6m aid to help government fight polio
Japan’s grant will support procurement of 25m doses of Oral Polio Vaccine
Japan has unveiled aid worth 510 million yen (Dh16.6 million) for Pakistan’s polio vaccine programme, to support the country’s campaigns during the 2018-19 low transmission season.
The notes of the grant were signed and exchanged yesterday between the government of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), a press release issued by the Embassy of Japan here said.
The grant, worth $4.6 million, will support the procurement of 25 million doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV); sufficient to vaccinate children under the age of five in the high-risk districts across Pakistan; enabling the programme to quickly close the immunity gaps.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aamer Mahmoud Kiani, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination said, “The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan is resolutely committed to eradicate polio.”
He said polio eradication is a top priority of his ministry and no effort will be spared in attaining the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
He thanked the government of Japan and other partners for their continued support in eradicating polio.
Acknowledging the commitment by the Government of Japan, Babar Bin Atta, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication said, “Over the years, the government and people of Japan stood by us even during the difficult times. Pakistan’s programme today is rated among one of the best public health service delivery initiative across the globe.”