-
-
-
Loading
Loading
The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Pakistan on Thursday for reducing polio cases by over 99% since 1994, reaffirming its commitment to assist the country in completing the final phase of eradication. Despite significant progress, the disease has seen a resurgence in some of Pakistan's most volatile regions, and challenges remain in the fight against polio. The WHO, acknowledging Pakistan's efforts, emphasized that it would continue to support the country in “running the last mile” to end the crippling disease. This message was delivered during Islamabad’s hosting of the Technical Advisory Group for Polio Eradication, a key forum bringing together global experts to strategize on eliminating the global polio threat. Since the 1990s, when Pakistan reported around 20,000 cases annually, the country has made remarkable strides in polio eradication. By 2018, the number of cases had dropped to just eight, and only six cases were recorded in 2023. The WHO commended this progress, noting that Pakistan has reduced polio cases by more than 99% since 1994. However, recent setbacks have occurred, with 73 reported cases in 2022, a sharp rise from just one case in 2021. The most recent case was reported last Wednesday from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, a province in northwestern Pakistan. Pakistan, along with neighboring Afghanistan, remains one of the last two polio-endemic countries globally. The resurgence of polio in certain regions, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, is exacerbated by challenges including militant attacks on health workers and misinformation spread by religious hard-liners. WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Hanan Balkhy, warned that the eradication efforts in both Afghanistan and Pakistan faced serious threats, particularly due to the suspension of foreign aid by the US under former President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, WHO’s Deputy Director Dr. Mike Ryan also raised concerns about a funding gap of $68 million for polio eradication work in Pakistan, which could jeopardize the progress made so far. “Urgent funding is required to ensure that hard-fought gains are not lost,” Dr. Ryan said in a video posted on X. Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s commitment to polio eradication remains steadfast. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Program is set to launch its first nationwide vaccination drive of 2025 from February 3 to 9, aiming to immunize millions of children and bring the country closer to achieving a polio-free future.
if you want to get more information about this news then click on below link
More Detail