ISLAMABAD, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Experts and officials in Pakistan said on Friday that the country would continue to work with international partners and donors to eradicate polio from the South Asian country.
Pakistan has made clear progress towards eliminating polio by taking effective measures and devising prudent strategies, and the role of partner organizations remains crucial in this regard, said the officials during an event on Friday.
On the occasion, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath said Pakistan is committed to fulfilling its obligations under global public health and eradicating polio to make the dream of a polio-free world a reality.
"With the support of our partners and donors, Pakistan is running the largest polio eradication program in the world backed by an extensive poliovirus surveillance network and modern laboratory," he said, adding that the country still has more work to do to ensure that every child is protected from polio.
Nadeem Mahbub, secretary of Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination, said the incumbent government is focusing on the well-being of children as well as further strengthening of health systems of the country.
In the coming months, the program will focus on intensifying vaccination rounds, strengthening vaccination at the border and reaching communities with health services to create goodwill and trust, he said.
Luo Dapeng, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Pakistan, said an investment in polio eradication makes a huge difference to children not just in Pakistan, but the world.
"As we move closer to polio eradication in Pakistan, it is critical that the ongoing support of partner and donor agencies continues so that the gains we have made can remain in place and we cross the finish line," the WHO representative said. ■