Islamabad, May 4, 2024
A high-level delegation from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) concluded its visit from April 30 to May 3, saying that Pakistan’s fight against polio has reached a critical juncture and that children are not being vaccinated. This highlights the urgency of innovative strategies and increased political support to reach people. A determination to achieve eradication.
The delegation, led by Dr. Chris Elias, Chair of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) and Director of Global Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will seek to address persistent challenges in Pakistan’s political and We held discussions with security leaders and others. Do your best. The delegation included Dr. Hanan Balki, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Dr. Omotayo Bolu, Director of CDC’s Polio Eradication Branch, and Rotary Foundation Director and National PolioPlus Committee Chair. Aziz Memon was also included. .
In Islamabad, he met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Acting Foreign Minister Rahim Hayat Qureshi, Prime Minister’s Health Coordinator Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Baras, and Pakistan Army Chief of Engineers Lieutenant General Kashif Nazir.
POB is the highest decision-making and oversight body for the GPEI, the largest international public health initiative aimed at eradicating polio globally. This is the first high-level GPEI visit to Pakistan since the new government was formed in March. The focus of the visit was to strengthen Pakistan’s political efforts towards polio eradication.
“During my stay in Pakistan, I was once again impressed by the efforts of the federal and provincial governments to stop the spread of polio. The continued efforts of leaders across the country and at all levels are making it possible to finally eradicate polio. I am confident that progress is possible,” said POB Chair Dr. Chris Elias.
The delegation also visited Peshawar and Lahore and met with the chief ministers, provincial health ministers and general secretaries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces to discuss their provinces’ progress and challenges in polio eradication.
“Our engagement with Pakistan’s new political leaders during this trip demonstrated that all partners are committed to polio eradication, and we will spend the coming months wisely building this effort. If we don’t, we risk losing momentum and confidence that we can deliver on our mission,” said Dr Hanan Balki, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.
It added: “Pakistan has a real opportunity to contain the endemic strain of poliovirus, which is confined to southern Khyber Pakhtankhwa province. “Strengthening will be critical to preventing large-scale outbreaks in the coming months.”
Pakistan is one of only two countries where polio is endemic. The country has made significant progress in recent years in reducing polio cases and eliminating various poliovirus strains. However, several challenges remain in the last mile of eradication, including suspension of vaccination campaigns due to security concerns, children not being able to participate in vaccination campaigns, and mistrust in local communities.
“We know what to do. We know how to do it. The government, health workers and We all have an obligation to work together decisively, including our partners and communities,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia.
Delegates recognized the importance of tailored strategies and stressed the urgency of reaching migrant populations in high-risk areas. Building on the successful experience in India, where vaccination efforts focused on thoroughly mapped migrant populations were critical, it was emphasized that a similar approach is essential for further progress. Delegates also emphasized the essential role of routine immunization (RI) in sustaining hard-won gains in polio eradication. Cooperation with the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) was emphasized as being of paramount importance, especially in areas of pressing health need.
Stronger political engagement has been identified as key to addressing the legitimate demands of poor communities for services and energizing the health workforce. Delegates advocated leveraging their influence and support to engage local influencers and ensure inclusive community participation in vaccination.
“Rotary International congratulates the Government of Pakistan on its progress in the fight against polio and looks forward to addressing the remaining challenges facing the polio program,” said Aziz Menmon, Rotary Foundation Director and National Chair of the Pakistan PolioPlus Committee. We encourage new and urgent efforts to
“Rotary has invested approximately US$427 million in polio eradication efforts in the country and pledges continued support for the polio program until the goal is achieved and every child in Pakistan is protected from polio. ” he said.
The visit coincided with the ongoing immunization campaign from April 29 to May 6, aimed at vaccinating over 24.4 million children under the age of five in 91 districts. Amidst these efforts, the engagement of the GPEI delegation marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s fight against polio, urging concerted action and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.
Note:
Polio is a highly contagious disease caused by the poliovirus that primarily affects children under the age of five. It can invade the nervous system and cause paralysis and death. Although there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this devastating disease. Every time a child under the age of 5 is vaccinated, their protection against viruses increases. Repeated vaccinations have protected millions of children from polio and made nearly all countries in the world free from polio, except for two endemic countries: Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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