ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Federal Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan said that Pakistan has made great strides against polio and added that Pakistan remains steadfastly committed to interrupt poliovirus circulation and join the ranks of polio-free countries.
While addressing the session of the Polio Eradication of 70th WHO Regional Committee meeting in Cairo, the minister said that Pakistan Polio Program has taken concerted measures to improve campaign quality and vaccine uptake in the endemic districts such as fractional IPV campaigns to boost immunity and offering pluses such as soaps to promote hygiene.
وفاقی وزیر صحت ڈاکٹر ندیم جان (@DrNadeemjan) کی عالمی ادارہ صحت کی علاقائی کمیٹی برائے مشرقی بحیرہ روم کے 70ویں اجلاس کے موقع پر بحرین کی وزیر صحت ڈاکٹر جلیلہ بنت السید جواد حسن سے ملاقات۔ دونوں ممالک نے صحت کے شعبے میں تعاون کو مزید بڑھانے پر اتفاق کیا۔#EMRC70 #HealthForAll pic.twitter.com/j7NNmOWnsS
— Ministry of National Health Services, Pakistan (@nhsrcofficial) October 11, 2023
The minister further said through effective case response, Pakistan has prevented the virus from establishing circulation outside the endemic zone.
All-age vaccination is being conducted on the Pakistan side along the Pak-Afghan border. In security compromised areas, alternate strategies are being employed such as ring-fencing vaccination and a special campaign to offer polio and routine immunization to children in 69 most vulnerable UCs of southern KP.
The health minister said that Pakistan is committed to protecting its children from poliomyelitis and is also mindful of its obligations under the International Health Regulations, adding that this commitment exists across the board.
Dr. Nadeem Jan said that the prime minister has very recently chaired a meeting of the National Task Force and inaugurated a nationwide polio campaign.
As per the GPEI Strategy 2022-2026, Pakistan has also started planning for transition by collecting requisite data as per global standards such as physical verification of assets and HR data collection, the minister said.
The minister appreciated the generous and continued support of all donors and partners to Pakistan as it fights this virus.
