Pakistan’s premier reaffirms commitment to eliminating poliovirus
Date
6/25/2024 4:40:46 AM
(MENAFN) On Monday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating the poliovirus from the country during a meeting of the National Taskforce on Polio Eradication. The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement noting that Sharif chaired the meeting, which included Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and local officials. During the session, Sharif praised the dedication of frontline workers, government leadership, and the support of partners, emphasizing the significant progress made against polio.
Sharif acknowledged the critical partnership with the Gates Foundation, recognizing its longstanding support for Pakistan's polio eradication efforts. He stressed that the government would continue its efforts unabated until the virus is completely eradicated, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by recent reports of five polio cases and 185 environmental samples testing positive for poliovirus in 2024.
In response to these challenges, Sharif directed the mobilization of all available resources to ensure the security of polio vaccination teams and to intensify national efforts aimed at eradicating polio from Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of ensuring every child in Pakistan receives multiple doses of the polio vaccine to safeguard them against the disease.
Bill Gates also expressed confidence in Pakistan's commitment and resilience in tackling polio amidst complex challenges. The Gates Foundation highlighted Pakistan's efforts as a testament to the dedication of healthcare workers and government leaders alike in improving public health. Gates emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration, innovative approaches, and vigilance in achieving substantial progress in the fight against polio.
The statements from both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bill Gates underscored a unified commitment to leveraging partnerships, enhancing vaccination efforts, and implementing effective strategies to advance Pakistan's goal of achieving a polio-free status.
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