ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need to eradicate polio and hepatitis in Pakistan through sustained efforts, similar to the successful elimination of Trachoma.
He made these remarks at an event in Islamabad, where Dr. Lou Dapeng, Head of Mission for the World Health Organization in Pakistan, presented him with a certificate recognizing Pakistan as Trachoma-free.
The Prime Minister said that this certificate reflects the dedication of the Health Ministry and other stakeholders in the fight against this infectious disease. He urged relevant authorities to maintain their hard work and commitment, believing that such efforts could propel Pakistan to new heights of excellence.
Reflecting on his previous tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, he mentioned the effective programs he initiated to combat various diseases and expressed hope that these efforts would continue under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and in other provinces. He also offered the cooperation of the Federal Government in this regard.
Shehbaz Sharif commended the collaborative efforts of the Health Ministry, provincial governments, NGOs, experts, and various departments in eradicating Trachoma, which has helped save the sight of many individuals. He instructed authorities to implement preventive measures and establish effective oversight to prevent the reemergence of the disease.
In related news, the World Health Organization announced Pakistan’s successful elimination of Trachoma as a public health problem, marking it as the 19th country to achieve this milestone.
The WHO attributed this success to the collaborative efforts of health professionals, communities, and organizations such as Sightsavers, Christian Blind Mission, and the Fred Hollows Foundation.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the commitment of Pakistan’s health workers and underscored the importance of collective action in addressing preventable diseases.
WHO Regional Director Hanan Balkhy highlighted that Pakistan’s progress in eliminating two neglected tropical diseases underscores its dedication to public health. Dr. Luo Dapeng, WHO Representative in Pakistan, added that this achievement will prevent thousands from facing visual impairment or blindness.
