ISLAMABAD: Focal Person of anti- polio programme, Ayesha Raza Farooq said that existence of polio cases in the country is a great cause of concern.
Talking to Radio Pakistan, she said that 80 to 90 percent cases have been reported from the troubled areas where polio campaign is difficult to be run.
She said that Pakistan is the only country where security forces, police and polio workers render sacrifices.
Responding to a question, she said that despite challenges, the government is taking polio issue seriously.
She paid tribute to polio workers for launching the campaign in trying times adding that the government is mulling over a comprehensive strategy for the next polio season.
Ayesha Raza Farooqi admitted that there are flaws in anti-polio programme and government is devising strategy to eliminate these weaknesses.
We would hold meetings with provincial and district administration during the next month in which the situation would be discussed, she added.
Ayesha Raza Farooqi said that most polio cases are reported in tribal areas because of improper campaigns could run in the areas.
She is of the view that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reiterated his commitment regarding controlling polio.
Minister of State for Health Saira Afzal Tarar also said that most polio cases were reported in those areas where polio eradication campaign were not carried out in last two- year due to security concerns.
She added that polio virus was controlled in Nigeria while, in Pakistan government efforts to eradicate polio virus are countless.
About 250,000 children were not vaccinated in FATA in the last two- year because of security reasons, she added.
Comments
Comments are closed.