Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan MATSUDA Kuninori said here on Monday that he is to hear of the report that due to the successful implementation of the nationwide polio immunization campaign last week, over 39 million have been vaccinated, which is equivalent to 98% of its target.

He paid tribute to the effort of around 285,000 polio workers who were engaged in the house-to-house vaccine campaign amid the growing anxiety about the second wave of COVID-19 in Pakistan.

Since 1996, Japan has been supporting Pakistan in its effort to eradicate polio from the nation, with a cumulative amount of $229 million.

Ambassador MATSUDA added, “The Government of Japan will continue to help Pakistan in cooperation with international partners to reduce the immunity gap and protect its children from the highly infectious disease.”