Pakistan’s fight against polio faces a significant setback as global funding has been reduced by up to 20 percent. The United States has cut its contributions to international health organizations supporting Pakistan’s polio campaigns.
The funding shortfall is forcing health authorities to restructure vaccination efforts. Officials aim to eradicate polio nationwide within the next year despite limited resources.
Support for polio eradication in Pakistan mainly comes through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in Geneva. Around $250 million is spent annually, with 80 percent funded by partners like USAID, UNICEF, WHO, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
While other friendly countries also contribute, international funding has been gradually declining. This decline poses challenges for vaccination campaigns in flood-affected and hard-to-reach areas.
In response, the Health Ministry has adjusted its strategy. Polio campaigns will now last three days instead of five, and the number of district and tehsil-level staff has been reduced.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stressed that the government remains determined to eliminate polio within a year. “Due to reduced funding, we have no option left but to eradicate polio in the next 12 months,” he said.
Kamal highlighted that Pakistan’s economy cannot handle a long-term funding gap. Despite this, the government sees the challenge as an opportunity to permanently end polio.
Health officials continue to focus on high-risk regions, ensuring children receive timely vaccination. Campaigns target both urban and rural areas to prevent outbreaks.
The funding cuts underscore the urgent need for domestic resources and strong planning. Pakistan’s goal remains clear: a polio-free nation, protecting future generations from this deadly disease.
With determination and strategic planning, authorities hope to achieve the target despite international funding shortfalls. The coming year is crucial for Pakistan’s polio eradication mission.
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