United Arab Emirates re-affirms long-standing commitment to end polio in Pakistan
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A total of over US$ 23 million to be made available in 2021
The United Arab Emirates support will contribute to the yearly operational costs needed to protect approximately 16 million children under 5 years from polio in the 84 highest-risk districts of Pakistan and provide personal protective equipment for front-line workers
United Arab Emirates is the main funder and a long-time supporter of the polio eradication programme, having provided US$ 200 million since 2014
Pakistan has reported a 98% decline in cases over the past 6 months
Islamabad, 24 July 2021 – The World Health Organization (WHO), on behalf of the Polio Eradication Initiative, has announced today that the United Arab Emirates has made available a total of US$ 23 million funding for polio campaigns and around US$ 376 000 for the procurement of frontline worker personal protective equipment for protection against COVID-19 in 84 highest-risk districts. This funding and donation are to be utilized during 2021. It will enable the polio programme to maintain momentum to implement monthly polio campaigns targeting 16 million children in the highest-risk districts of Pakistan. Since 2014, United Arab Emirates has contributed over US$ 200 million to polio eradication efforts in Pakistan.