Japan provides $5 million to support polio eradication in Afghanistan

Japan has provided $5 million through UNICEF to support polio eradication efforts and strengthen immunization programs across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

The Government of Japan, in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has pledged US$5 million to UNICEF to support polio eradication and strengthen routine immunization across Afghanistan’s 34 provinces. This 12-month initiative will aim to reach over 13 million children with lifesaving polio vaccines and routine immunizations.

UNICEF stated on Thursday, 10 July 2025, that the grant reaffirms Japan’s long-standing commitment to Afghanistan’s health sector. It will help sustain progress toward the global goal of polio eradication, particularly in underserved, conflict-affected, and hard-to-reach areas.

Afghanistan remains one of only two countries in the world where wild poliovirus transmission has not been stopped. Although under-five and maternal mortality rates have decreased in recent years, access to basic health services remains limited, and millions of children are still at risk of deadly, preventable diseases.

A resurgence of polio in 2023 highlighted significant immunity gaps, especially among children in previously unreachable locations and among mobile or cross-border populations. Despite prior progress—such as improved cold chain infrastructure and expanded vaccination coverage—urgent action is needed to close these gaps.

“This partnership with UNICEF demonstrates the Government and people of Japan’s commitment to improving the health of Afghan children,” said Takayoshi Kuromiya, Japan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan. “We hope this initiative will enhance the lives of families across the country.”

Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan, welcomed the support: “We are close to eradicating polio in Afghanistan. This contribution will help us reach the most vulnerable children with essential vaccines.”

Japan has been a core partner in Afghanistan’s immunization efforts for over two decades. It has supported vaccine procurement (including polio, BCG, hepatitis B, and measles), provided technical assistance, and helped expand the cold chain system needed to preserve vaccine quality.

The 2025 grant will help UNICEF fill critical gaps in vaccine supply, human resources, and outreach, particularly in regions where children remain underserved. It will also enable the organization to respond swiftly to outbreaks and maintain high-quality immunization coverage throughout the year.

UNICEF expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support and emphasized that this collaboration will bring Afghanistan closer to achieving a polio-free future.

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