ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed his government’s commitment to strengthen national efforts to eradicate polio and said the government would maintain highest momentum for the drive until complete eradication of the disease.
He expressed these views in a meeting with a delegation of World Health Organisation (WHO), led by Dr Margret Chan, at the PM’s House.
He praised the consistent support, being provided by the WHO to the government in its efforts to provide quality healthcare services and enhance the overall well-being of the people of Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan was a frontline state in the war against terrorism, for which it paid heavy cost, particularly in terms of human life and sufferings. The polio campaign was also a collateral damage of this war, he added.
The PM welcomed the delegation and expressed his gratitude for the significant contribution made by the WHO to the polio eradication initiative in Pakistan.
He said that national action plan for polio eradication had been finalised and all officials of polio programme, including technical experts from WHO and UNICEF were fully geared up to ensure its implementation on ground. He mentioned that special security arrangements had been further enhanced.
The PM said, “We seek WHO’s support for global reinforcement of our national polio eradication efforts, especially with respect to vaccine procurement and funds.”
He added that Pakistan was looking towards global community for support to augment its efforts.
Saira Afzal Tarar, minister of state for national health services, and other officials were also present.