ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism regarding the imminent eradication of polio from the country through collaborative efforts with global partners and national institutions.
In a meeting with a delegation from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), led by Dr. Christopher Elias, Chair of the Polio Oversight Board and President of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Global Development Division, the Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to eliminating this debilitating disease.
Directing the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to initiate a joint awareness campaign in conjunction with the GPEI, the prime minister emphasized the importance of transparency in the process by ensuring accountability of the institutions involved in polio eradication. He further pledged full security coverage for vaccination teams.
Shehbaz commended Saudi Arabia's generous donation of $500 million towards polio eradication during the World Economic Forum, underscoring the necessity of Pakistan-Afghanistan cooperation to achieve regional polio eradication goals.
The delegation briefed the PM on the ongoing efforts for polio eradication, acknowledging the government's steadfast resolve in combating the disease. Highlighting challenges encountered during immunization campaigns, the delegation expressed confidence in the government's provision of necessary technical expertise to ensure the success of eradication efforts.
Dr Christopher conveyed Bill Gates' satisfaction with the anti-polio initiatives undertaken during Shehbaz Sharif's tenures as Punjab chief minister and hoped he would continue striving for a polio-free Pakistan in his capacity as the premier.