Minister directs continued resources for polio eradication

Minister directs continued resources for polio eradication

Islamabad: Minister for Health Saira Afzal Thursday recommended expeditious finalisation of PC-1 for sustainability of resources to ensure that the polio eradication programme continues to operate three years after halting of poliovirus transmission as per international practice. The PC-1 will cover the period between for 2019-2021.

Speaking as chair of a meeting convened to review Pakistan’s polio situation, Saira directed engagement of the leadership of Balochistan to meet specific challenges facing the campaign, and stressed the need for further strengthening of cross-border collaboration with Afghanistan. Director General Health Dr. Assad Hafeez, National Coordinator for Polio Dr. Rana Safdar, and representatives of the Pakistan Army as well as international partner agencies also attended.

Saira called for redoubling of efforts to meet the remaining challenges while noting with satisfaction, the improved polio situation in parts of the country including FATA. Dr. Rana Safdar gave a detailed briefing on the polio scenario while a representative from the Pakistan Army highlighted the support being provided by the armed forces in ensuring accessibility and security of polio teams.

Pakistan closed the year 2017 with 8 cases of polio, and even though these are the lowest-ever cases in the country’s history of polio eradication, the challenge is far from over. In the current stage of global eradication of polio, even 8 cases are seen as a huge number; that too, when poliovirus continues to circulate in sewage samples across even major cities of the country. Global polio experts believe the time to celebrate is still miles away.

Article source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/267446-minister-directs-continued-resources-for-polio-eradication