WHO Ministerial meeting endorses Pakistan's efforts for Polio eradication
Pakistan Times Health Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is making sincere efforts for the eradication of polio and strategies currently implemented would enable the country to achieve the goal in the very near future.

This was observed by the WHO Ministerial Meeting of Polio Endemic Countries that concluded in Geneva on Friday, says a message received here from Geneva.

The Pakistan delegation which attended the meeting led by Federal Secretary Health, Syed Anwar Mehmood included provincial Chief Secretaries and Provincial Health Secretaries.

During a presentation on the Pakistan polio eradication initiative, the Federal Health Secretary informed the meeting that 53 cases of polio have been reported during 2004 as against 103 cases during 2003 while the transmission of polio virus in the country has been restricted to 26 districts.

It was noted that all out efforts and high quality campaigns are required in Sindh province and Southern Punjab from where most cases were reported last year.

WHO, partner Governments and agencies pledged continued support to the Pakistan's polio eradication programme to ensure eradication of the disease by end of current year.

Pakistan held out the assurance to the international community that every possible means would be used to eradicate polio from the country.

Satisfaction was expressed at the overall progress towards the global target of a polio free world. The meeting also reviewed the polio eradication status of India and Afghanistan.●