World Health Organisation Representative in Pakistan Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala has said that with one polio case reported from Afghanistan and Pakistan, it may appear that we are almost at the end of this journey, but this is only the beginning of the most challenging time as the last part of this journey is the hardest.
At this critical junction, I would like to thank Pakistan and our frontline heroes for their determination, commitment and dedication. Without them the journey this far would have been impossible, he added.
National Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator (NEOC) Dr Shahzad Baig said on Sunday Pakistan is now close to delivering on a promise of a polio-free world for children.
“This World Polio Day is a reminder for all of us to ensure we deliver this precious promise to our children – a polio-free world,” Dr Shahzad said in a message on World Polio Day that is being observed on October 24 every year.
“Today, we are closer than ever to eradicating the poliovirus from Pakistan, but this last mile is the hardest and most important, with no room for complacency,” he said, “We must ensure all under-five children are vaccinated and safe from this vaccine-preventable contagious disease.”