ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Syed Mustafa Kamal, met with Dr. Chris Elias, Chairman of the Polio Oversight Board, and Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, to discuss Pakistan’s progress and ongoing efforts to eradicate polio from the country.
During the meeting, the participants reviewed the national strategy, recent campaign results, and the challenges faced in reaching every child with the polio vaccine.
Minister Mustafa Kamal reaffirmed that the eradication of polio remains a top priority of the Government of Pakistan under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He said that a coordinated and effective strategy has been implemented nationwide to ensure the success of anti-polio campaigns.
He noted that high-quality immunization drives are being conducted across the country, with special focus on high-risk districts including southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, central Pakistan, and Karachi. The minister added that religious and community leaders are helping reduce vaccine refusals, while greater synergy is being promoted between the Polio Eradication Initiative and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
“Pakistan is committed to strengthening immunization coverage and eliminating polio once and for all,” said Mustafa Kamal.
Dr. Chris Elias praised Pakistan’s progress and reaffirmed the Polio Oversight Board’s commitment to continue full support at every level until the virus is completely eradicated.
