A UNICEF representative has confirmed that the Japanese government has approved a nearly $3 million grant for a polio eradication program in Pakistan, one of two countries with confirmed polio cases– the other being Afghanistan. During a press conference earlier this week, UNICEF representative Angela Kearney stated that the grant will enable Pakistan’s government to procure 16 million doses of the oral polio vaccine (OPV) for door-to-door immunizations in areas of the country where the virus is believed to still be lurking. Since 1996, the Japanese government has contributed more than $135 million to Pakistan to help fight against the deadly virus. During the conference, Kearney confirmed that UNICEF is working with the Pakistani government on proper storage of the vaccinations, and would be providing technical support during the immunization push.

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