Global financing for Pakistan’s polio eradication has been reduced by as much as 20%.

Pakistan’s initiatives to eliminate polio have suffered a significant setback due to a reduction of up to 20% in international financing, since the United States has decreased its financial support to global health organizations.

The deficit is compelling Pakistan’s health authorities to reorganize immunization initiatives and advocate for a one-year timeframe to eradicate the virus.

Declining global financial support
Pakistan obtains its polio eradication assistance via the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) based in Geneva. Annually, around $250 million is allocated to anti-polio initiatives in the country, with 80% of the financing sourced from USAID, UNICEF, WHO, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and many other collaborators.

The Health Ministry observed that although Pakistan’s allied nations contribute to finance, international donations are steadily declining, posing significant hurdles for the campaign.

Pakistan’s updated polio strategy
In light of diminished financing, the Ministry of Health has resolved to implement a new approach. Beginning next year, polio programs will be restricted to three days rather than five, and the personnel at the district and tehsil levels will be diminished.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that the government will concentrate on utilizing all available resources to eradicate polio in Pakistan within one year. “Owing to diminished funding, we are left with no alternative but to eliminate polio within the next 12 months,” he emphasized.

“We must eradicate polio within one year.”
The minister recognized that Pakistan’s economic conditions are insufficient to withstand the strain if international assistance continues to diminish. He underscored that this setback should be regarded as an opportunity to eradicate polio permanently.

“Within the forthcoming year, we must eliminate polio. Mustafa Kamal stated, “There is no alternative remaining,” emphasizing that despite the financial crisis, the government remains resolute in achieving outcomes.