Liaison Showcases Polio Eradication Efforts at TICAD9 Side Event and VR Exhibition

Tokyo/Yokohama, August 2025: As part of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9), Liaison, in partnership with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)* hosted a high-level panel discussion and an immersive virtual reality (VR) booth to highlight ongoing efforts to eradicate polio.

The conference, held from August 20-22, 2025 at Pacifico Yokohama, aimed to reaffirm global and Japanese commitment to finishing the fight against polio, showcase Japan’s historic leadership in global health, and inspire continued political, financial, and technical support.

*GPEI is a partnership of WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and the Gates Foundation. Liaison serves as the Japan advocacy partners to the initiative.

High-Level Side Event Panel: “From Commitment to Action”
The panel, convened on August 20, brought together senior Japanese policymakers, global health experts, and civil society leaders to discuss strategies for strengthening partnerships and accelerating eradication efforts in Africa.

Distinguished Speakers
Hon. Toshiko Abe, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Hon. Ichiro Aisawa, President of the Diet Polio Task Force
Hon. Hirobumi Niki, State Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare
Dr. Shigeru Omi, former WHO Regional Director, Western Pacific
Dr. Ahmed Arale, Core Group Polio Project, representing African civil society
Ms. Ikuko Yamaguchi, GPEI Global Chair, Resource Mobilization
Ms. Mariko Koyama, polio survivor and advocate
Dr. Wrishmeen Sabawoon, Moderator, Liaison Senior Advisor

Key Highlights
● Political Leadership: Senior Japanese officials reaffirmed commitment to polio eradication, emphasizing innovative financing and ongoing engagement.
● Technical & Global Insights: Experts highlighted challenges in Africa, including surveillance, vaccine delivery, and outbreak response.
● Survivor Advocacy: Personal testimonies reminded attendees of the importance of centering survivor stories to ensure decisions at the top are grounded in human impact.
● Calls to Action: Support civil society, strengthen health systems, ensure vaccine supply, and pilot innovative financing mechanisms.

VR Booth: “Polio’s Last Mile”
From August 20-22, attendees were immersed in Rem5Studio’s “Polio’s Last Mile” VR experience, which transported them to the frontlines of polio eradication in Zambia. Participants stepped into the shoes of healthcare workers conducting complex vaccination campaigns, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges of protecting children from the devastating effects of polio. The interactive booth welcomed a diverse audience, including students, Japanese and African delegates, members of the public, impact-focused professionals, and numerous Rotarians. 

The TICAD9 side event and VR exhibition successfully reaffirmed commitment from senior Japanese policymakers, elevated Africa’s eradication challenges in Japanese policy dialogue, and increased public awareness of polio and its impact domestically and world-wide. Liaison will continue partnering with GPEI and Japanese leadership to ensure that eradication remains a top priority on the global health agenda.