Peshawar, Michael Galway, Deputy Director of Polio for Afghanistan and Pakistan at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, met with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah to discuss and reinforce efforts to eradicate polio, particularly in the southern districts of the province. The meeting underscored a collaborative approach to address the polio challenges, with a focus on surveillance and vaccination at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

According to Directorate General Information and PRs – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Galway commended Pakistan’s anti-polio initiatives, particularly the proactive measures in the southern districts prone to polio virus transmission from Afghanistan. The discussion revolved around the upcoming visit of the High Level Polio Oversight Board in May and the importance of maintaining rigorous surveillance and vaccination campaigns to prevent the spread of polio.

Health Minister Shah and Galway committed to eliminating the polio virus, highlighting the need for persistent efforts and no compromise on the vaccination campaign. The Gates Foundation expressed an understanding of the unique challenges faced in the southern districts and emphasized the importance of joint efforts to immunize children who are yet to receive vaccines.

The meeting also touched on plans for enhancing polio virus surveillance and the continued partnership between the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and international health bodies to ensure the success of polio eradication programs.