The TAG also issued the final report of its recent two-day technical consultation meeting – a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune. STOCK IMAGE
It has recommended that the polio eradication initiative paradigm in Pakistan shift focus from “children covered” to “children missed”, including those who are not accessed regularly because of security concerns, operational failures, and those outside any micro-plans.
The TAG also issued the final report of its recent two-day technical consultation meeting – a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune.
The consultation, chaired by TAG chairman Dr Jean-Marc Olivé, took place at the request of the government to review implementation of the ‘low season’ plan half-way through the low polio transmission season 2014 – 2015.
The panel appreciated Pakistan’s efforts during the past year but also expressed concern over the slow-paced implementation of the Bhurban (II) plan.
It said that the next six to eight weeks were crucial for Pakistan as the low poliovirus transmission season is coming to an end, therefore it strongly recommended an effective implementation of plans for the said season.
It expressed satisfaction with the low poliovirus transmission season plan and said its effective implementation can help Pakistan achieve its set target.
“Poliovirus transmission must be reduced further during the remainder of the low season if interruption of transmission by the end of 2015 is to remain a feasible goal,” said the consultation panel.
The panel reminded the government and its national and international partners of the underlying assumption of the plans that “all children anywhere in the country can be reached” during the low season.
The consultation panel expressed concern over the number of polio supplementary immunisation activities (SIAs) that have been staggered, delayed or cancelled due to security or other related concerns.
“This situation has led to a loss of synchronisation between campaigns in key geographical areas. Given the high mobility of the Pakistani population, this loss facilitates the spread further,” said the panel.
Talking to The Express Tribune Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq said they were encouraged by the appreciation expressed by TAG for the government’s commitment and ownership reflected in major initiatives such as the formation of the Cabinet Committee on Imminisation, establishing emergency operations centres at federal and provincial levels, and improvements in the security provided to polio teams, assigning of Interior Ministry DG as the focal person for polio security.
“We are now reaching children all over FATA and in areas where the military operation is under way,” she said.
The challenge, she said, is to move ahead with determination, sustain gains and focus on missed children.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 1st, 2015.
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