Achievable goal: Stopping polio ‘within reach’

Senator Farooq says the recently finalised NEAP 2017-18 shows govt’s resolve

ISLAMABAD: The goal of stopping the spread of polio in Pakistan is well within reach.

This was stated by United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) outgoing country representative Angela Kearney at a farewell event at the National Emergency Operation Centre in Islamabad on Wednesday.

“With the full presence of community-based vaccinators and successful implementation of different strategies to consistently reach all children, stopping transmission looks well within reach.”

Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq appreciated Unicef’s support in eradicating the crippling disease.

“Our partnership will continue even after we get rid of this deadly disease from Pakistan and the world.”

She recalled that Unicef had played an active role in helping Pakistan reach so close to the finish line in the fight against polio.

Senator Farooq further elaborated that the recently finalised NEAP 2017-18 showcases the government’s resolve in maintaining aggressiveness to finish the job.

This, she said, would require additional support from all the global partners including Unicef, World Health Organisation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), ISDB and GPEI.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3^rd, 2017.