International Development Grant

UNICEF - Support to the Polio Eradication Endgame Strategic Plan 2020 to 2023

Project Number: CA-3-P009807001

Status: Closed

Country/Region: Unknown

Regional Focus:

Africa 45%
Asia 50%
Oceania 5%

Maximum Contribution: $50,000,000.00

Start Date: March 30, 2021

End Date: December 31, 2024

Duration: 3.8 years

Project Description

This UNICEF project supports implementing the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)’s Endgame Strategic Plan (2020 to 2023) which provides a global roadmap to eradicate polio. It aims to improve health particularly in vulnerable populations in polio-endemic outbreaks and high-risk countries. Project activities include: (1) working with targeted governments to strengthen oral polio vaccine campaign safety and quality and introduce inactivated polio vaccine into routine immunization systems; (2) providing technical assistance to front-line workers to increase immunization coverage; and (3) working with governments to transition polio assets and infrastructure to broader health goals and national health systems. The GPEI is a partnership between the United Nations Children’s Fund the World Health Organization the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Rotary International and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Expected Results

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) increased interruption of wild poliovirus and stop all vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks; (2) improved polio integration through health system strengthening vaccine-preventable disease and infectious disease surveillance and outbreak and emergency preparedness; and (3) contained polioviruses and certify interruption of transmission.

Progress & Results Achieved

Results achieved as of March 2024 include: (1) supported approximately 120 polio immunization campaigns in 30 countries between 2023 to 2024; (2) implemented community engagement and communication strategies that supported the vaccination of 11.9 million children. These strategies helped to reach over 25 million people through social media channels to increase awareness and support for vaccination campaigns; and (3) deployed over 9 000 social mobilizers essential for community engagement and mobilization in hard-to-reach and high-risk areas. In Afghanistan this initiative provided other critical health services such as distributing 2.2 million bars of soap to promote hygiene practices and prevent the spread of other diseases.

Key Information

Executing Agency:
UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada

Program:
YFMInternaAssistPartnershp&Programing Br

Last Modified:
September 19, 2025

Development Classifications

DAC Sector:

Infectious disease control 100%

Aid Type: Contributions to specific-purpose programmes and funds managed by implementing partners

Collaboration: Bilateral

Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation

Selection Mechanism:
Department-Initiated

Policy Markers
Level 1 Gender equality
Level 2 Children's issues
Level 1 Nutrition
Major Funding (>$1M)
Budget Breakdown
2020-04-01 to 2021-03-31 $50,000,000 CAD
Geographic Information
000
Project Number: CA-3-P009807001