Polio watchdog commends govt’s efforts

IMB hopes National Emergency Action Plan will end virus translation

ISLAMABAD: The International Monitoring Board (IMB) on Polio has appreciated the progress made by Pakistan during the last low season. The board was especially impressed by the programme’s capacity to pre-empt risks, identify and address gaps on real time basis.

The meeting of IMB which concluded on Thursday in London acknowledged the commitment of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to eradicate the disease. A press statement released by the health ministry said that IMD has appreciated the critical role of security forces for ensuring that space is given to the healthcare staff to perform their duties diligently.

However, the board stressed the need to ensure leadership stability in Emergency Operation Centre for Polio Eradication, health departments and key divisions and districts. It showed full confidence in strategies outlined in the National Emergency Action Plan to interrupt virus transmission during 2016.

IMB also urged Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and donors to fully support government of Pakistan.

Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication and Secretary, Ministry of National Health Services Muhammad Ayub Sheikh represented Pakistan in the crucial meeting. The National Coordinator of National Emergency Operation Centre Dr Rana Muhammad Safdar and provincial secretaries of health were also part of the delegation.

The minister maintained that “we are satisfied with the turnaround and rapid progress, but recognise that polio interruption and eradication is a zero sum game and we are not yet at zero”.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2016.