Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday said that the government of Pakistan is taking concrete measures to enhance immunization coverage across the country.The minister said this during his meetings in Riyadh, holding detailed discussions with Chairman of the Polio Oversight Board Dr. Chris Elias and WHO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy.According to Health Ministry’s spokesperson, during the meeting, they reviewed Pakistan’s ongoing efforts and strategies for polio eradication.Mustafa Kamal reaffirmed that eliminating polio from Pakistan remains a top priority for the government under the leadership of the Prime Minister.He said that a comprehensive and effective strategy had been devised to ensure the success of anti-polio campaigns nationwide, with special focus on high-risk areas including southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, central Pakistan, and Karachi.
The minister noted that with the support of religious and community leaders, vaccine refusal cases were declining, and coordination between the Polio Programme and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was being strengthened.Dr. Chris Elias appreciated Pakistan’s sustained efforts in the fight against polio and assured continued support at all levels to help achieve complete eradication.
