Global Funding Cuts Threaten Polio Eradication Drive

News Desk 

Islamabad: Pakistan’s fight against polio has suffered a serious setback after international funding for eradication efforts was reduced by up to 20 percent, largely due to a cut in US contributions to global health organisations.

The shortfall is forcing health authorities to scale back vaccination campaigns and adopt a one-year deadline to eliminate the virus.

Pakistan’s anti-polio efforts are funded through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in Geneva, with around $250 million spent annually. Roughly 80 percent of that support comes from USAID, UNICEF, WHO, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other partners.

The Ministry of Health confirmed that while friendly countries continue to contribute, global assistance is shrinking, raising urgent challenges for sustaining nationwide campaigns.

In response, the ministry has approved a revised strategy. 

From next year, vaccination drives will be shortened from five days to three, and staffing levels at district and tehsil levels will be cut.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said the government is determined to eradicate polio within the next 12 months despite the financial crunch.

“Due to reduced funding, we have no option left but to eradicate polio in the next year,” he told reporters. “Pakistan’s economy cannot bear the burden if global support keeps shrinking.”

Kamal urged the campaign to be seen as a chance to end the virus once and for all.

“In the next one year, we must eradicate polio. There is no other choice left,” he said, adding that the government will deploy all available resources to achieve the goal.