ISLAMABAD: A high-level international delegation to eradicate polio has completed its visit to Pakistan, urging Pakistan to maintain its "political commitment" to eradicate polio.
A high-level delegation from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) concluded its visit to Pakistan from April 30 to May 3, with a focus on securing universal access to polio vaccines for every child and advancing the political aspiration of polio eradication in the country. The importance of steadfast commitment was underscored throughout the discussions.
Led by Dr. Chris Ellis, Chairman of the Polio Oversight Board (POB) and President of Global Development at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the delegation engaged with Pakistan's political and security leadership to deliberate on the roadmap towards polio eradication. Discussions revolved around formulating strategies to address the existing challenges in this endeavor.
The delegation comprised Dr. Hanan Balkhi, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organization (WHO), Sanjay Wijesekara, Regional Director for South Asia of UNICEF, Dr. Omotayo Bolo, Head of the CDC's Polio Branch, as well as Trustees from the Rotary Foundation and National Polio. Aziz Memon, Chairman of the Plus Committee, played an integral role in the proceedings.
In Islamabad, Dr. Chris Ellis met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Acting Foreign Secretary Rahim Hayat Qureshi, Prime Minister's Coordinator for Health Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharat, and Chief Engineer of Pakistan Army Lt. Gen. Kashif Nazir. It's noteworthy that the POB serves as the highest decision-making body of GPEI, and this marked the first significant visit of GPEI leadership to Pakistan following the formation of the new government in March.
POB Chair Dr. Chris Ellis remarked, "Throughout my visit to Pakistan, I've been consistently impressed by the unwavering dedication of both federal and provincial governments in the fight against polio. Sustaining this commitment is imperative for successfully eradicating polio from Pakistan."
The delegation extended its visit to Peshawar and Lahore, engaging in discussions with the respective provincial chief ministers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, along with provincial health ministers and chief secretaries. These meetings centered on reviewing the progress made in these provinces and addressing the obstacles encountered in the journey towards polio eradication.
Dr. Hanan Balkhi, WHO Regional Director, expressed, "Throughout this visit, alongside Pakistani political leaders, it's evident that the commitment of all our partners engaged in polio eradication remains steadfast. However, sustained efforts in the upcoming months are crucial to halt the virus spread and achieve polio eradication."
Sanjay Wijesekara, UNICEF Regional Director, emphasized, "In safeguarding every child in Pakistan from this grave disease, collective action is paramount. It is imperative for the government, healthcare workers, international organizations, and the public to collaborate diligently to ensure that every child receives the vaccine."
It's important to highlight that Pakistan remains one of the two countries globally where the poliovirus persists. In recent years, Pakistan's polio eradication efforts have made significant strides in eliminating various genetic strains of the virus and decreasing polio cases. Nevertheless, the polio program continues to encounter challenges, notably including the disruption of polio campaigns due to security concerns, inadequate coverage of all children with the polio vaccine, and vaccine hesitancy stemming from public apprehensions about the vaccine's safety.
