KARACHI: The Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, hosted a high-level meeting with the Polio Oversight Board (POB) delegation at the Chief Minister’s House, reaffirming the province's pivotal role in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. Joined by Sindh Health and Population Welfare Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, the meeting highlighted Sindh’s progress and challenges in combating the poliovirus.
Murad Ali Shah emphasized Sindh’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio, citing proactive measures such as improved campaign quality, addressing vaccine hesitancy, and ensuring the safety of frontline workers. "Sindh remains steadfast in its mission to protect children from polio. Together with global partners, we are closer than ever to a polio-free Pakistan,” he said.
The delegation, led by Dr. Chris Elias, Chair of the POB and President of Global Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, praised the Sindh government’s leadership. Other members included WHO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy, UNICEF Regional Director Mr. Sanjay Wijesekera, Rotary Foundation Trustee Mr. Aziz Memon, and representatives from the US CDC and KSRelief.
Dr. Elias noted Sindh’s success in clearing the virus in several areas, expressing confidence in the province’s ability to overcome persistent challenges. "Sindh has achieved remarkable progress in eliminating the virus from the environment, and we are optimistic about sustaining these gains,” he stated.
The meeting focused on Karachi’s unique challenges, such as high population density, community mobility, and recurring virus detections in environmental samples. Discussions highlighted efforts to enhance routine immunization, address vaccine hesitancy, and scale up health services in high-risk areas.
Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho stressed the importance of closing immunity gaps in vulnerable areas like Karachi. “Our teams are working tirelessly to protect every child, with strong support from the Sindh government and international partners,” she said.
Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah outlined government initiatives to support frontline workers and ensure smooth campaign execution. The POB delegation also recognized Sindh’s use of performance scorecards and accountability frameworks to improve outcomes.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge from both Sindh’s government and global partners to intensify efforts toward polio eradication. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah thanked the POB delegation for their support, reaffirming Sindh’s leadership in Pakistan’s polio eradication journey.
About the POB:
The Polio Oversight Board, part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), comprises leaders from WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary International, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi. It oversees global polio eradication efforts, with a focus on Pakistan and Afghanistan— the last two countries where polio remains endemic.