Islamabad, 11 Oct 2023:In a vital move towards obliterating polio, the Government of Pakistan and UNICEF finalized a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in a formal ceremony today, marking a significant landmark in the decade-long pursuit initiated when a state of emergency was declared in 2011. Through meticulous planning and extensive financial backing, which included a government commitment of $155 million, along with a supportive $100 million from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the Polio Emergency Program has forged ahead. This recent MoU, propelled by a priority call from Federal Secretary Iftikhar Shallwani to UNICEF, ensures the procurement of vital vaccines, indicating a potent symbol of hope for the future.

According to a press release by PID, the alliance between the Government of Pakistan and UNICEF is marked by a substantial financial reservoir, featuring grants and loans channelized into the Polio Emergency Program, and denotes a collective step towards a polio-free Pakistan. After the Government of Pakistan’s dedicated commitment of $155 million, additional support from IsDB and BMGF has been instrumental, with IsDB affirming its allegiance by signing the Murabaha agreement two days prior. The persistent efforts against polio also witnessed an unfolding appeal for further financial support. The ongoing endeavours aim to harness an additional $55 million from the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) and BMGF, while underlining that the full financial expenditure of the five-year project (2022-2026) amounts to $798 million.

The journey, as delineated by Federal Secretary National Health Services Iftikhar Shallwani, has been painstaking yet fortifying, with the completion of all requisite documentation and formalizing agreements, such as the recent one with IsDB, marking the unwavering progress towards a polio-free vision. The MOU, establishing a pathway for the acquisition of indispensable vaccines for the Polio Emergency Program, emanates as a beacon of hope for numerous individuals impacted by the disease.

The signing ceremony, which convened the Federal Secretary and the country representative of UNICEF, not only concluded with the exchange of signed documents but also embodied the unified aspiration to obliterate polio. The Federal Secretary proffered gratitude to all organizations and individuals who have staunchly supported the initiative during its pivotal stages. Moreover, the partnership with UNICEF, complemented by the support from entities such as WHO, Rotary, BMGF, and additional partners, underscores a cohesive and resilient global stand against polio, affirming that collaborative efforts pave the way toward creating a world devoid of polio.