Federal Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal
Tarar chaired a high level meeting here today to review Pakistan’s polio
situation. Director General Health Dr. Assad Hafeez, National Coordinator for
Polio Dr. Rana Safdar, representative of Pakistan Army and international
partner agencies attended.
The Minister
while expressing satisfaction over the significant progress made by the country
in arresting the spread of polio, directed to redouble efforts to meet the
remaining challenges and rid the country of the disease.
She said the
country has reported the lowest ever cases in the history of the polio effort.
The Minister
was given a detailed briefing by National Coordinator Polio Eradication Dr.
Rana Muhammad Safdar.
Detail of the
eight cases reported last year was shared with the Minister. The Minister noted
with satisfaction the improved polio situation in parts of the country
including FATA.
She directed
to engage leadership of Balochistan to meet specific challenges to the
campaign. She directed further strengthening of cross border collaboration with
Afghanistan.
The Minister
stressed upon the critical importance of sustainability of resources to ensure
that the program continues to operate after stopping transmission of poliovirus
as per standard internationally practice. To this end, she directed for early
finalization of PC-21 for 2019-2021.
Representative
of Pakistan Army briefed in detail on the support being provided by the armed
forces in ensuring accessibility and security of polio teams.