ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated government’s commitment to eradicating polio in Pakistan during meeting focused on country’s polio eradication efforts. He emphasised necessity of unified action, stating, “We will not rest until we have permanently defeated polio.”

During meeting, he commended government’s polio team for their ongoing efforts in combating disease. He instructed Coordinator for National Health, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Polio Focal Person Ayesha Raza Farooq and Secretary of National Health to visit most affected areas identified during recent polio campaign.

He ordered third-party audit of anti-polio campaign to ensure transparency and efficacy. He stressed importance of developing comprehensive strategy to address existing immunity gap among population.

Meeting provided briefing on recent polio cases and overall status of polio eradication campaign.

Currently, Pakistan has 41 active polio cases, with 25 of these cases occurring in individuals who have not received adequate routine immunisation coverage.

Briefing underscored that polio transmission rates are significantly lower in areas with higher vaccination rates, highlighting importance of continued vaccination efforts.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 29 2024

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