Countries: Afghanistan, Japan Source: UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached files. This partnership reaffirms Japan’s long-standing support to Afghanistan’s health sector, particularly in sustaining progress toward the global goal of polio eradication.KABUL, Afghanistan – The Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has provided UNICEF with US$5 million for a renewed partnership to eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan. This 12-month initiative aims to reach over 13 million children with lifesaving polio vaccines, supporting both routine immunization and national polio campaigns.Afghanistan’s maternal and child health indicators remain among the worst in the world. Although the under-five mortality rate reduced from 125 to 56 deaths per 1,000 live births between 2001 and 2021, and maternal mortality dropped from 1,273 in 2001 to 620 in 2020, access to health services is still a challenge. The risk of exposure to deadly but preventable diseases remains high. Afghanistan remains one of the last two countries in the world where Polio still lingers.Polio transmission resurged in 2023, pointing to immunity gaps, especially in previously inaccessible locations, and among mobile and cross-border populations. Regular, nationwide vaccination efforts are crucial to prevent further outbreaks. Recent efforts, many supported by Japan, have strengthened cold chain infrastructure and improved national coverage. Yet, significant gaps remain, particularly in hard-to-reach and high-risk communities.“The Government and people of Japan recognize the importance of eradicating Polio in Afghanistan,” says Takayoshi Kuromiya, Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan. “Complementing our continuous support to UNICEF in high-quality immunization for over two decades, we hope this latest drive within our partnership will improve the health and lives of children and families throughout the country.”“Eradicating polio in Afghanistan is within reach, and this partnership with the Government of Japan and the generosity of the people of Japan, will help realize this milestone for the children of Afghanistan,” says Dr. Tajudeen Oyewale, UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan. “This grant will help us reach the hardest to reach with high-quality immunization services and put an end to polio in Afghanistan.”The project aims to reach 13.3 million children in all 34 provinces in 12 months and achieve sufficient population immunity to polio in children to allow the interruption of all wild and vaccine-derived viruses, in line with the plan of the polio eradication programme in Afghanistan.Japan has been a key UNICEF partner for over two decades in Afghanistan, supporting procurement of traditional vaccines (BCG, measles, hepatitis B, polio), strengthening cold chain systems and providing technical assistance for immunization programmes.This new US$5 million grant will fill critical gaps in vaccine supply for 2025, human resources and enable UNICEF to continue delivering high-quality immunization services in the most underserved areas. UNICEF is grateful to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support for the children of Afghanistan.Media contactsJames ElringtonUNICEF AfghanistanTel: +93 799 987 032Email: jelrington@unicef.org