Japan to Finance Polio Eradication in Pakistan with $ 65 Million

Islamabad: Japan will finance the second round of polio eradication drive in Pakistan with an amount of $65 million through globally known Bill and Melanda Gates Foundation, officials said. An agreement has been signed to that effect, Abdul Wajid Rana, Secretary Economic Affairs Division said after a meeting with vice president of Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The new round of polio vaccination begins shortly. The official explained that Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have purchased the $65 million soft loan from Japan. That loan will convert into a grant for Pakistan, as it is the Foundation that will pay off the loan.

The money will be used in Pakistan through government channels including the Economic Affairs Division and a new division, which coordinates efforts between the federal and provincial governments on polio eradication.

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