Acting President Mian Raza Rabbani has said that the total number of polio affected has been reduced substantively in Pakistan due to the efforts of the Government adding that Pakistan is likely to succeed in completely eradicating this menace very soon.
The Acting President said this while talking to a delegation of Rotary International representatives of “End Polio Now” Campaign led by International PolioPlus Committee Chairman Mr. Michael K. McGovern who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Tuesday.
The Acting President said that Pakistan is beholden to Rotary for massive resource mobilization for polio eradication and said that he is looking forward to greater collaboration with Rotary for achieving the zero figure to mark total elimination of polio from Pakistan. Acting President Mian Raza Rabbani assured Rotary of total commitment and sustained efforts from the Federal and Provincial Governments to completely eliminate the polio menace adding that the Government is determined to continue with the sustained efforts to maintain the zero figure after achieving it.
Acting President Mian Raza Rabbani said that the Zarb-e-Azb Operation has helped to extend the outreach for eradication of polio due to which additional 600,000 children have been administered polio drops. He remarked that it is heartening to learn of the successes achieved in FATA in controlling polio virus which shows that the tide can be stemmed with perseverance and commitment.
Paying tributes to the polio health workers, the Acting President remarked that their commitment is unshakable despite loss of lives adding that the workers have now been provided wide security cover to facilitate them in their noble work. Mian Raza Rabbani noted with appreciation that the law and order situation in Pakistan has now significantly improved and visit of the Rotary delegation will enable them to witness the improved security situation in Pakistan. The Acting President thanked Rotary International for supporting Pakistan’s cause at international forums and hoped that collaboration will grow further between Pakistan and Rotary to achieve desired goals.
International PolioPlus Committee Chairman Mr. Michael K. McGovern briefed the Acting President about the programs and activities of Rotary International and said that his organization is supporting Pakistan Government not only for eradication of polio but also in increasing literacy and providing clean drinking water to the people. He expressed his satisfaction at the efforts of the Federal and Provincial Governments, commitment of Pakistani leadership and dedication of the people to eliminate polio and expressed his optimism that Pakistan is close to creating history by soon completely eliminating the polio virus. Mr. Michael K. McGovern informed the Acting President that Rotary International, besides vaccines, is also providing coolers, refrigerators and umbrellas and setting up health camps for the benefit of the people.
PREVIOUS NEXT
