Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to completely eliminate polio under the continued support of global partners such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
While addressing a meeting with an elite delegation of the Gates Foundation, the PM reiterated the country’s perseverance in the fight against the deadly virus.
President for Global Development, Chris Elias, led the meeting which was held in the federal capital, Islamabad. Director Polio Dr Kathy Neuzil and Deputy Director Polio Michael Galway were also part of the delegation.
PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude for the continued dedication of the Gates Foundation in the eradication of polio in Pakistan and also quoted the continued support of other Muslim countries such as Saudia Arabia.
Government measures
The PM reaffirmed the role of the government in the future implementation of practical measures by devising an effective strategy along with the collaboration of team efforts.
He also expressed determination in achieving the complete eradication of the disease and said that urgent measures were still needed despite progress in the fight against polio.
The federal government continues to work in close contact with the provinces, he added.
The PM also vowed to guarantee uninterrupted access to polio teams to ensure the smooth execution of their operations all across the country.
Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), projects related to polio eradication are expected to continue.
The PM urged the Ministry of National Health Services to develop suggestions in coordination with other health institutions to spread public awareness and guarantee the availability of vaccines all over the country.
