Polio eradication top most priority of the govt: Imran

Directs officials to undertake effective awareness and immunization campaigns to check the incidence of polio

ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan on Wednesday underscored that polio eradication is the top-most priority of the government as it affects the future generation.

In a high-level meeting to discuss the rise in polio incidence in the country, the premier expressed serious concern over the recent spike.

He directed officials concerned in the federal as well as provincial governments to undertake effective awareness and immunization campaigns to check the incidence of polio.

The prime minister also stressed upon the need for a robust Ehsaas Polio Partnership for synergized implementation of the two vital programs.

How Modi ‘backstabbed’ Imran

PM's Focal Person on Polio Eradication Babar Bin Atta briefed the meeting about the report of International Monitoring Board for the year 2017-18 identifying loopholes in the strategy at that time which led to recent spike of polio cases in some parts of the country, especially Bannu division.

Babar also stated that the new strategy is based on four new pillars including shift from push to pull, from disease control to eradication, ownership at the highest level and ensuring complete accountability at the operational level.

He also highlighted various measures being taken for perception management including engagement with social media platforms to counter anti-vaccine propaganda, involving mainstream media for mass awareness campaign, establishment of 24/7 call center and publicizing environment or human cases.

The representative of Pakistan Army assured full support to polio teams in their efforts to reach out to the children in far-flung areas of the country.

Representatives of international partners and donors also assured their continued cooperation to the Government of Pakistan in polio eradication mission.