Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterates commitment to eradicate polio

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said the government was pursuing a comprehensive strategy, supported by an effective team, to eradicate polio from the country at the earliest.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Dr. Chris Elias, president for global development at the Gates Foundation, who visited him at the Prime Minister’s House with a delegation.

“Pakistan will continue its efforts, with the support of trusted partners such as the Gates Foundation, until the disease is completely eradicated from the country,” the Prime Minister said.

He expressed gratitude for the cooperation of Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates and acknowledged the support of brotherly Muslim countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, in efforts to combat polio.

“We will always remember the invaluable services rendered by Bill Gates towards the eradication of polio in Pakistan,” he said.

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While noting significant progress in the fight against the disease, the Prime Minister said urgent new measures remained essential. He said the Federal Government was working in close coordination with the provinces to ensure access for polio teams across the country and relevant projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) would continue.

He also asked the Federal Ministry of Health to make recommendations, in coordination with relevant institutions, to enhance public awareness and ensure vaccine supply for polio eradication.

Dr. Elias said the Gates Foundation greatly appreciates the Prime Minister’s personal focus on polio eradication and the practical steps taken by the government. “Pakistan is gradually moving towards the goal of complete eradication and consultations with the federal and provincial governments and relevant institutions will continue,” he said.

He added that effective measures had been taken to reduce the environmental presence of the polio virus and ensure access of vaccination teams to all areas.

The visiting delegation included Dr. Kathy Neuzil, Director of the Gates Foundation for Polio Control, and Deputy Director for Polio, Michael Galway. Dr Elias expressed confidence in Pakistan’s anti-polio campaign and conveyed best wishes to the Prime Minister on behalf of Gates.

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Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

Iqbal briefed the delegation on PSDP initiatives related to polio eradication, while Farooq outlined the ongoing anti-polio efforts in provinces and cities.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Dr Neuzil on his recent appointment and extended his best wishes.

Health Minister reiterates polio eradication as national priority

Kamal separately held a high-level meeting with the delegation to review the progress and steps taken towards polio eradication.

The meeting included a detailed discussion on the steps taken so far and the progress made.

The Health Minister said polio eradication was a national priority under the leadership of the Prime Minister and the government was ensuring implementation of all necessary measures to achieve this goal.

Highlighting recent achievements, he said Pakistan had made significant progress over the past year through a coordinated national strategy, with special focus on high-risk areas, including southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said he personally monitored the polio program, visited high-risk areas and coordinated closely with provincial governments to ensure integrated efforts.

Dr Elias, who also chairs the Polio Monitoring Board, praised Pakistan’s efforts and reaffirmed continued global collaboration in the fight against polio.

On the occasion, the Health Minister highlighted the need for intensified and coordinated measures in Karachi and South KP, and assured that the delegation in Pakistan would fulfill its national responsibility by providing necessary financial resources.