Islamabad April 17, 2014 - Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq expressed appreciation for support provided by the Government of Japan for Polio Eradication Initiative. Under this new support JICA has provided 51.8 million US Dollars for polio vaccines.

The focal person was chairing the National Steering Committee meeting at the PM`s office with key partners working to support the Government’s efforts to eradicate Polio in Pakistan.

“Polio Eradication is a top priority for us and on behalf of the Government of Pakistan I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan for playing a significant role in supporting this initiative. The support is critical to ensuring that sufficient quantities of polio vaccine are in place to meet the planned requirements for the Polio campaigns, said Ayesha Raza Farooq. ‘’

Earlier this month JICA`s team led by Takashi KATAE Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Pakistan, during a meeting with PM`s Polio Focal Person congratulated the Government of Pakistan for the successful implementation of their collaborative project for polio eradication under which Japan has supported polio campaign operations and provided vaccine for polio campaigns.

The meeting was informed that based on the result of an Independent Performance Audit, all the set indicators have been fulfilled for this particular project.(Nov, 2013-March,2014)

The chair was also apprised on overall ongoing JICA projects in Pakistan. The deputy chief of mission urged that JICA and the Government of Japan is committed to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and will consider supporting the important task of Polio Eradication with the Government of Pakistan and development partners in the future also. 

The steering committee meeting was also attended by senior officials of PM`s Polio Monitoring & Coordination Cell, key technical staff & representatives from partner organizations, the chair was briefed on the latest developments, available results, OPV forecast for 2014 and overall immunization campaign preparations. The chair issued directives for devising an effective SIAs strategy to interrupt Wild Polio Virus circulation in the country and urged for utilization of all available resources to ensure quality campaigns by the provinces. All possible measures were explored and thoroughly reviewed during the meeting so that each and every Pakistani child can be reached and vaccinated in the country.

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