**Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Polio Eradication at Independent Monitoring Board Meeting**
A high-level Pakistani delegation has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio, emphasizing both recent progress and ongoing challenges in the fight against the disease. During a meeting with the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in Geneva, officials highlighted a revitalized national strategy to eliminate the final barriers to a polio-free Pakistan.
The Independent Monitoring Board, composed of global health experts, convenes annually to assess advances and challenges in polio eradication, focusing especially on Pakistan and Afghanistan—the last two countries where polio remains endemic. Representing Pakistan, the delegation included State Minister of Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, chief secretaries from Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, and senior health officials.
Speaking at the IMB session, State Minister Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath underscored Pakistan’s pivotal role in confronting polio. He reaffirmed that despite complex challenges and competing national priorities, the government continues to prioritize polio eradication under the Prime Minister’s leadership. “This is a consensus national mission,” Dr Bharath stated, adding that the government had reinvigorated a “whole of government” approach involving federal and provincial authorities across the country, including regions like AJK and GB.
Dr Bharath emphasized ongoing governmental support for overcoming remaining hurdles, such as enhancing essential immunization coverage. He noted that nationwide, polio teams have shown “a collective sense of urgency and utmost dedication,” which has contributed to substantial progress. “With this dedication, we will surpass the remaining challenges and deliver a polio-free Pakistan,” he asserted.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, detailed specific advances achieved through the National Emergency Action Plan 2024-25. She cited improved coordination with provincial governments, full governmental oversight, targeted plans for high-risk districts, and tighter surveillance as factors that have strengthened immunization campaigns, reduced the number of missed children, and contained the virus in defined areas. Farooq highlighted that, notably, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar have reported no new polio cases this year—a positive signal that immunization coverage is reaching at-risk children. However, she cautioned that continued detection of the virus in sewage samples serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and complete vaccination.
Turning to southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Farooq acknowledged that ongoing challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, population movement, and security concerns complicate efforts to reach all children. The Polio Eradication Programme, she explained, is collaborating with law enforcement, district administrations, community organizations, and allied immunization initiatives to expand vaccination outreach and rebuild community trust.
Farooq expressed confidence that, with steadfast government ownership, robust political and security backing, and the leadership of provincial chief secretaries, Pakistan will soon overcome the current resurgence of polio and achieve its long-standing goal of eradication.
The IMB commended Pakistan’s political commitment and comprehensive approach to tackling polio. The board will issue a detailed report with recommendations to further strengthen strategies and expedite progress towards a polio-free world. The IMB annually reviews and advises polio-endemic and high-risk countries, offering expert guidance to accelerate global eradication efforts.
