Islamabad, December 30, 2024: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the need for greater integration of technology in Pakistan’s health sector, including polio eradication efforts, to modernize public health systems and achieve more effective outcomes.
Chairing a high-level meeting with the Polio Eradication Team, the prime minister underscored the urgency of eradicating polio and highlighted the critical role of technological innovation in improving monitoring and delivery systems.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for National Health; Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication; Federal Health Secretary Nadim Mehmood; National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) Coordinator Anwar-ul-Haq; WHO Deputy National Team Lead Dr. Sogair; and CDC Senior Advisor Dr. Mohammad Safdar, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Prime Minister Sharif shared a letter from Bill Gates, Chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, praising Pakistan’s efforts in polio eradication. He expressed gratitude to the foundation and other national and international partners for their invaluable support in advancing public health initiatives.
The prime minister called for a structured approach to targeting high-risk areas during polio campaigns and stressed the importance of providing comprehensive security to polio workers. He noted the rise in polio cases as a pressing concern, urging all stakeholders to intensify efforts to combat the disease.
During the briefing, the prime minister was updated on the latest developments in the campaign and acknowledged the significant contributions of local communities to the initiative’s success.
Prime Minister Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating polio and advancing broader health sector reforms, calling for greater collaboration and innovative solutions to address the challenges facing public health in Pakistan.
