ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has made a remarkable progress in protecting every child from polio disease, reducing number of the polio cases from almost 20,000 every year in the early 1990s to only eight last year and polio eradication would be the topmost priority of the incumbent government.
This was stated by Federal Minister of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Aamir Mehmood Kiani during a high-level briefing here at the National Emergency Operations Centre for the Polio Eradication on Monday.
The minister said that the new polio cases have dropped by an amazing 99 per cent – from 306 in 2014 to three this year and they must sustain these gains and continue to ensure every child was reached in every vaccination campaign. He affirmed full support for the polio eradication as high on the health agenda of the new government.
Besides others, the meeting was attended by secretary and director general of health, representative of armed forces as well as the country leads of WHO, UNICEF, NSTOP and BMGF. “The progress is a direct result of the collective efforts of our brave frontline workers, backed by law enforcement agencies, and unprecedented government commitment at all levels,” the minister said.
“I am pleased to note that the programme is driven by high-quality data and comprehensive, real-time risk assessment and monitoring, which is resulting in better campaign quality.” He expressed his commitment to accelerating progress in polio eradication and getting the job done in accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan who is keen on ensuring basic health, nutrition, and water and safe sanitation services are available for all Pakistanis.
Expressing confidence in the quality, efficacy and safety of the oral polio vaccine, the minister advised the programme to constantly educate people on need to vaccinate all under five children in every campaign. The minister appreciated efforts including 260,000 frontline workers and termed them as heroes striving for health of future generations.
