ISLAMABAD – The Central Development Working Party (CDWP) is likely to clearthe US $ 986 million polio eradication programme to recommend it to theExecutive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) forfinal approval.The meeting is expected to be held later this week.
Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyarshared the information withDirector General World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghabreyesuswho called onhim here on Tuesday.
Appreciating WHO for being a supportive partner of Pakistan in improvingits health sector, the minister said the emergency Plan for PolioEradication worth US $ 986.3 million had been given provisional approvalsubject to devising a robust monitoring mechanism for its smoothimplementation, commitment by theprovinces to divert funds to this purpose so that the crippling disease iseffectively eradicated from the country.The minister said the government intended to continue enhancing healthbudget to achieve universal health coverage which is manifestation of itscommitment to pursue pro-poor health approach and provide qualityhealthcare facilities to the people.Secretary Planning, Zafar Hasan, Dr. Chris Elias President GlobalDevelopment Division Bill andMelinda Gates Foundation and senior officials of the ministry were alsopresent in the meeting.Talking to Dr. Chris Elias, the Federal Minister said that Pakistanwelcomes support from Bill & MelindaGates Foundation for eradication of polio virus.He stated that the Foundation could look into the possibility of extendingits support in chalking out astrategy for controlling communicable diseases in the country like TB,HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C.He added that the consultative process should involve all stakeholders.”The Foundation couldhelp us in evaluating why we have not been able to eliminate thesediseases”, said the Minister.About family planning, the minister said it was at the heart of theGovernment’s focus to control theburgeoning population and appreciated he support of partners in thisregard.
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The minister also stressed upon aligning technical support of WHO and otherinternational developmentpartners with government’s 12th five year plan (2018-23).Secretary Planning, Zafar Hasan said that stunting is an issue in Pakistanand it was an area which required support and hoped that this aspect wouldbe given priority in the next plan of WHO and Bill & Melinda GatesFoundation.DG WHO said all partners are committed to support Pakistan in achievinguniversal health coverage goalsand to finish polio virus completely from the country.He appreciated that Pakistan’s plan for healthcare was aligned with SDGs.Dr Chris apprised that Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was a majorsupporter of national immunizationprogram and expressed commitment to continue working closely in future.He also informed that a nutrition team would soon be visiting Pakistan toevaluate the situation for reducing stunting in Pakistan. – APP
