‘Goal of polio-free Pakistan will be achieved’

Health minister says nomads are a challenge for polio drives

LAHORE:  

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid has pledged that the goal of polio-free Pakistan will be achieved.

She expressed these views while in a meeting with World Health Organisation (WHO) Polio Eradication Programme Chairman Jean Marc Olive on Wednesday.

Discussing the challenges the department faced, Rashid stated that nomads are a challenge for polio drives. “Nomad families move from one place to another making them vulnerable to the disease,” she added.

The minister told the delegation that under the polio eradication programme, a record of nomads has been maintained. “Recently, zero polio cases have been reported in the province. However we have had positive environmental indicators at places in Lahore and Rawalpindi which is concerning,” the minister informed.

The minister said that she hoped future generations will never know the name polio. WHO Polio Eradication Programme Chairman Jean Marc Olive acknowledged the efforts of the Punjab health department and praised the minister on her efforts to strengthen the sector.

Health Advisor to CM Hanif Khan Pitafi and the health services director general were also present during the meeting.