Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Polio Eradication
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to becoming a polio-free nation, emphasizing the joint efforts of both the federal and provincial governments in the battle against the disease. Speaking on Wednesday, the Prime Minister highlighted the alignment and decisive actions being taken by all provincial governments to eradicate polio.
“The federation, along with all the provinces, is taking active measures for polio eradication,” said Sharif, expressing confidence that the coordinated efforts would ensure the successful elimination of the disease from the country.
A high-level delegation from the Polio Oversight Board, which included representatives from global health organizations, met with the Prime Minister to discuss the ongoing efforts. The delegation comprised Christopher Elias of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director of the World Health Organization, UNICEF Regional Director Sanjay Wijesekera, and Dr. Andrea Fristedt of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among others.
Prime Minister Sharif thanked the delegation for their continued support and acknowledged the crucial contributions of global partners such as the King Salman Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary Foundation, UNICEF, and the CDC. “These organizations have played a significant role in our battle against polio,” Sharif stated. “We are confident that with their continued support, we will overcome this challenge and rid the country of this debilitating disease once and for all.”
The delegation praised Pakistan’s ongoing commitment and the positive results emerging from the country’s current anti-polio strategy. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation representatives noted the effectiveness of the implemented strategy, which has already begun yielding positive outcomes.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to tackle public health challenges, particularly polio. She urged neighboring countries to maintain open dialogue and share resources for a more unified and effective approach.
In response to challenges posed by the disease, the Prime Minister’s office confirmed that a third-party audit of the polio eradication program had been conducted to evaluate its progress. Efforts have focused on providing care for polio-affected children and improving vaccination coverage in previously underserved regions.
The meeting concluded with renewed optimism, with both the Prime Minister and global partners reaffirming their shared goal to eradicate polio and protect future generations from the disease.
