Islamabad, 12 Oct 2023:Dr. Nadeem Jan, the Caretaker Minister for Health, has affirmed Pakistan’s unyielding commitment to eradicating poliovirus circulation within its borders and striving to be enlisted among polio-free nations. His comments came during a session dedicated to Polio Eradication at the World Health Organization’s Regional Committee meeting in Cairo, signifying the nation’s robust efforts and strategic initiatives in tackling the polio dilemma. The minister highlighted the discernible progress Pakistan has achieved in its battle against the debilitating virus, underscoring the enhanced campaign quality and vaccine acceptance particularly in endemic districts, based on a press release by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB).

Elaborating on Pakistan’s multifaceted initiatives, Dr. Jan pointed out that the polio eradication program has adopted and implemented rigorous measures to amplify both the quality of its campaigns and the uptake of vaccines in regions where the disease has been most prevalent. Such strategies have been instrumental in limiting the virus and preventing its circulation beyond these endemic zones, showcasing a pragmatic approach towards tackling health crises in a systematized manner.

Moreover, he underlined that an all-ages vaccination initiative is underway along the Pak-Afghan border on the Pakistani side, which can be interpreted as a strategic move to mitigate the risk of cross-border transmission of the virus. Such steps not only demonstrate Pakistan’s resolve towards health betterment but also signal a cooperative spirit in ensuring regional health security.

The journey towards completely obliterating polio remains pivotal on the global health stage, and Dr. Jan’s statements affirm Pakistan’s allegiance to this collective global objective. Through meticulously planned and executed health campaigns, as well as a cooperative stance on a regional and global level, the country seeks to solidify its position in the ongoing battle against polio.