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PM Imran Khan asks federal, provincial govt to launch effective anti-polio drive

PM Imran Khan asks federal, provincial govt to launch effective anti-polio drive
August 21, 2019
ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed grave concern over the increasing polio cases, ordering the federal and provincial government to launch an effective anti-polio drive. He was chairing a high level meeting on Wednesday. Imran Khan stated that polio eradication is the top most priority of the government as it affects the future generation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmnOQQafL3A The prime minister stressed the need for a robust partnership between Ehsaas and polio eradication program for synergized implementation of the two vital programs. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army assured full support to polio teams in their efforts to reach out to the children in far-flung areas of the country. Representatives of international partners and donors also assured their continued cooperation to the government of Pakistan in polio eradication mission. Deputy Director Polio Bill and Melinda Gates Dr Tim Peterson also presented a letter of appreciation from Bill Gates to the Prime Minister for the efforts being made to eliminate the disease. On the occasion, the Chief Ministers of KP and Balochistan and the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Sindh apprised the meeting about the measures taken for polio eradication in their provinces. PM's Focal Person on Polio Eradication Babar Bin Atta briefed the meeting about the report of International Monitoring Board for the year 2017-18 identifying loopholes in the strategy at that time which led to recent increase of polio cases in some parts of country, especially Bannu. He also briefed the meeting about the new strategy which is based on four new pillars, including shift from push to pull, from disease control to eradication, ownership at the highest level and ensuring complete accountability at the operational level. He also highlighted various measures being taken for perception management including engagement with social media platforms to counter anti vaccine propaganda, involving mainstream media for mass awareness campaign, establishment of round the clock call center and publicizing environment or human cases.