July 01, 2015
News
Polio to end in two years, says Mamnoon
APPISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday reiterated that Pakistan was committed to eradicating poliovirus and hoped that the virus would end from the country in the coming two years.
He said that Pakistan was not responsible for the spread of polio but the elements that caused the spread of terrorism in the region contributed significantly in its expansion.
The president also called upon the international community to be considerate towards Pakistan and extend all possible cooperation in this regard so that Pakistan was able to work for the elimination of the crippling disease without facing problems.
He said this while talking to the International PolioPlus Committee chairman and Rotary Foundation Vice-Chairman Michael K McGovern, who called on him along with a delegation at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The president emphasised that Pakistan’s commitment to polio eradication remained firm and resolute.
He underscored that the polio eradication programme enjoyed the government’s ownership at the highest level and highlighted that the chief ministers of all the provinces were paying special attention to ensure that every child was facilitated in the polio eradication programme.
The president assured the delegation that he would personally call the governors and urge them to remove administrative gaps for complete elimination of the virus.
He mentioned that the government’s decisive action against terrorism had a positive effect on the initiative of polio eradication campaign.
He praised the role of Rotary International as a major partner of the government in its campaign against polio. Speaking on the occasion, Michael K McGovern lauded the commitment and seriousness of the efforts of the government. He also assured of talking to the head of UNICEF for lifting travel restrictions imposed on Pakistan.
The delegation also included PolioPlus Programme Director Carol A Pandak and Pakistan PolioPlus Committee National Chairman Aziz Memon.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk