Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar reviewed in detail progress against National Action Plan for Polio Eradication. Secretary Ministry of National Health Services was also present on the occasion.
The Minister was briefed in detail by National Coordinator, Polio Emergency Dr. Rana Safdar on the recommendation of recently concluded polio review by Technical Advisory group which is a team of senior independent international experts.
He said that TAG recommendations have been incorporated in new National Emergency Action Plan for Polio 2016/17.
The Minister expressed satisfaction over the positive appraisal by TAG and said Polio Program has not only maintained the focus on the 11 districts of tier 1 but also chalked out an enhanced monitoring plan for tier II districts. She said TAG appreciated the idea of community based vaccination and now program is all set to enhance the scope of the community based vaccination. She said mobile team performance was being strengthened and the surveillance strengthening plan was now in place for immediate implementation.
We must redouble efforts in north Sindh and execute a complete North Sindh Action plan urgently. The Minister informed that Rapid Response Units are fully geared and operational at national and provincial levels and performing the duties.
Minister directed regular sharing of information on population movement with Afghanistan program for joint risk assessment and response to any cases and outbreaks in the common reservoirs on either side. To strengthen Routine Immunization in the country, Minister directed enhancing PEI-EPI partnership to support Routine Immunization operations with active coordination and engagement with EPI and partners supporting the Routine Immunization.
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