WHO Pledges Support for Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Efforts

Islamabad: World Health Organization's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, has reaffirmed WHO's support for intensifying Pakistan's fight against paralytic polio. During her visit to Pakistan along with the Polio Oversight Board, Dr. Balkhy praised the government's strong leadership, saying the country has a genuine opportunity to interrupt wild poliovirus transmission if current efforts are intensified. According to Radio Pakistan, Dr. Balkhy commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Government of Pakistan for their strong leadership and whole-of-government commitment to protecting every child from polio, not only in Pakistan but also across the region and the world. She emphasized the importance of sustained government commitment, strengthening routine immunization, and enhancing cross-border cooperation with Afghanistan, the only other country where wild poliovirus remains endemic. During the visit, the high-level delegation met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, senior g overnment officials, military leaders, and frontline polio workers. These discussions focused on strategies to bolster the country's polio eradication initiatives and the critical role of comprehensive governmental involvement in achieving this public health goal.