Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need for continued dedication to eradicate polio and hepatitis from Pakistan, drawing parallels to the nation’s successful elimination of Trachoma.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister expressed these views at a function where Dr. Lou Dapeng, Head of Mission for the World Health Organization in Pakistan, presented him with a Trachoma-free Pakistan certificate. Sharif highlighted this achievement as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Health Ministry and various stakeholders.
During his speech, Sharif recalled his previous tenure as the Chief Minister of Punjab, where he initiated significant health programs targeting these diseases. He urged the current leadership and other provinces to continue these efforts with the support of the federal government. He also stressed the importance of preventive measures and robust supervision to prevent the reemergence of such diseases.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization officially recognized Pakistan as the 19th country to eliminate Trachoma as a public health problem. This success was attributed to the collaborative work of health professionals, communities, and organizations like Sightsavers, Christian Blind Mission, and the Fred Hollows Foundation.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Regional Director Hanan Balkhy both praised Pakistan’s dedication and the critical role of collective action in combating preventable diseases. Dr. Luo Dapeng remarked on the significant prevention of visual impairments and blindness due to this achievement.