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The Government of Japan agreed to extend to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) a grant assistance of Rs. 8.3 crore (209 million yen) 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 4 countries (Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan) in which wild polio virus still remains, and is the most populous country among them. Therefore, a joint international efforts is being made, involving the Government of India, UNICEF, WHO, donor countries and agencies, together with state governments and NGO’s.
Japan’s Commitment
Japan has been supporting an Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) project in India since 1996. The cumulative amount up to this year will reach Rs. 312 crore (7.8 billion yen).
As a result of the massive endeavour by the agencies involved, polio cases dropped to 874 last year. Japan reaffirms its commitment to support such efforts.
Utilization of the Grant
Japan’s grant will be used for the purchase of oral polio vaccine.
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