Government of Japan extends Grant for Polio Eradication Project in India

Grant to UNICEF

The Government of Japan agreed to extend to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) a grant assistance of 192 million yen (approximately equivalent to Rs. 10.6 crore) for the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) project to eradicate poliomyelitis from India. Notes to this effect were signed and exchanged between H.E. Mr. Hideaki Domichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, and Ms. Karin Hulshof, Representative of UNICEF India country office, today.

India is one of the four countries (Nigeria, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan) in which the Wild Polio Virus (WPV) still remains, and is the most populous country among them. Therefore, a joint international effort is being made, involving the Government of India, UNICEF, WHO, donor countries and agencies, together with state governments and NGO’s.

The Government of Japan hopes that the Grant would contribute to further strengthening of the relationship between Japan and India.

Japan’s Commitment

Japan has been supporting the IPPI project in India since 1996. The cumulative amount of grant assistance up to this year will reach 8.2 billion yen.

Utilization of the Grant

Japan’s grant will be used mostly for the purchase of oral polio vaccine for mainly North Eastern states of India.

Accomplishment of the aid

The continuous support from the Government of Japan to India through UNICEF has helped to prevent the expansion of WPV in India. Through continuous contribution by Japan, the numbers of polio cases have been maintained at less than 10 cases since 2004 in the North Eastern areas of India.