The government of Germany announced on Tuesday an additional € 2 million in financial support, to Pakistan’s national emergency action plan regarding Polio eradication, reports ReliefWeb. Germany is a longtime supporter of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) with contributions totalling more than US$ 550 million to the effort. For its engagement in polio eradication, including in fostering global commitment, Germany has on numerous occasions been internationally recognized at the highest levels.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners would like to extend their profound gratitude to both the Government of Pakistan and Germany for their collaboration and for their tremendous support and engagement in the effort to eradicate polio globally.
A three-day anti-polio campaign has begun in 17 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) from Monday (December 18).
According to the provincial health department, the districts where the campaign would be initiated, including Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Peshawar, Nowshera, Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Swat, Malakand, Chitral, Lower Dir, Upper Dir and Afghan refugee camps.
During the campaign, five million children would be administered anti-polio drops. Around 18,000 teams have been constituted to make door-to-door visits to ensure administering anti-polio drops to all children.
Polio teams would also be available at railway stations, bus stands and public places for the convenience of the general public. Tight security measures have been taken to ensure the security of the polio teams during the fresh campaign.