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World Polio Day: Join the Efforts to Eradicate the Virus

October 24 is recognized as World Polio Day, a crucial moment to reflect on efforts to eradicate poliovirus worldwide. The disease is just 1% away from eradication. However, last year, after a period of 25 years, cases were reported in conflict-stricken areas like Gaza. To combat this issue, the certified NPO, Japan Committee for Vaccines to Children (JCV), has initiated a "Postcard and Stamp Collection Campaign" starting on October 24, focusing on preventing the spread of polio.

Participate in the Collection Campaign

This campaign allows individuals to contribute easily by donating unused postcards, stamps, or mistakenly printed items. These collectibles will be converted into vaccines for children in developing nations. In the past year, contributions yielded nearly 521,720 doses of polio vaccines (worth approximately 10,434,363 yen), significantly protecting many vulnerable children from infectious diseases.

How to Get Involved

• - Send by Envelope: Participants can use an envelope or letter pack to send their items without any prior application process. (Please note that shipping costs need to be covered by the sender.)
• - Use Collection Envelopes: For those interested, free collection envelopes are available; just request one from JCV. (Apply here).
• - Starter Kits for Organizations: Organizations can request a starter kit containing 20 collection envelopes that can be displayed like a donation box, facilitating ongoing collection and shipment. (Apply here).

Items Accepted

• - Unused or misprinted postcards
• - Unused stamps (including international ones)
• - Gift certificates, foreign currency
• - Unused or used telephone cards and prepaid cards
• - Precious metals, watches, jewelry
• - Notes: Used cards that have been mailed or personal postcards are not eligible.

Send Your Contributions to

Japan Committee for Vaccines to Children
Postcard Collection Campaign
8F, Mita Hillside Building, 4-1-9 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0073

Importance of Polio Eradication

Polio primarily affects children under five, leading to paralysis by damaging the spinal cord. In the early 1960s, this disease caused widespread outbreaks in Japan, but through vaccination and sanitary improvements, the effort toward eradication has significantly progressed, resulting in just two countries with endemic wild poliovirus as of 2020.

Unfortunately, in 2024, new cases emerged in Gaza due to armed conflicts disrupting healthcare services; however, emergency vaccinations curbed the outbreak. Predictions warn of over 200,000 annual cases within a decade unless polio eradication is achieved globally. The G7 Hiroshima Summit emphasized continued support for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).

To protect lives at risk from infectious diseases worldwide, ongoing support for immunization is essential. JCV encourages public participation in this vital campaign to safeguard the lives of children exposed to these dangers.

The Unfortunate Reality of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Every day, approximately 4,000 children die from vaccine-preventable diseases like polio, tuberculosis, and whooping cough in developing countries, highlighting the urgent need for vaccines. These diseases snatch away the laughter and hope of countless children, equating to one child's life lost every 20 seconds due to preventable illnesses.

Since its establishment in 1994, JCV has collaborated with UNICEF and global health ministries, successfully delivering vaccines to over 133 million children. In 2024 alone, JCV provided vaccines and cold-chain equipment worth approximately 12,348,937 yen to four countries: Myanmar, Laos, Bhutan, and Vanuatu.

Join Us in Making a Difference

We invite everyone to support the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio and protect vulnerable children globally. Your participation in the Postcard and Stamp Collection Campaign will make a substantial impact. Visit our website for more information and to get involved: www.jcv-jp.org.

Together, we can ensure a healthier future for all children.