20, May 2015 - Minister for National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar called for strengthened cooperation in improving health indicators between countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization that comprises of ten nations including Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran besides central Asian states. She said this while addressing Health Ministers of ECO countries during the World Health Assembly being held in Geneva.

Besides shared cultural and historical links we can use the existing infrastructural and business links to further fortify ongoing efforts to address issues like health system strengthening, access to equitable and quality health services and fight against communicable and non communicable diseases.

Endorsing the Plan of Action for Health Cooperation in ECO region the minister urged for practical steps to reach out to each other, share experiences and expertise in diverse areas of health.

The minister said Pakistan was the largest country in the ECO and was willing to play its role in strengthening the organization and supporting countries of the region.

Earlier the Minister had a detailed meeting with Chief Executive of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization Dr. Seth Berkeley and President Global Foundation of Bill Gates Foundation Dr. Chris Elias. The minister informed them that Pakistan was ready to introduce injectible Polio vaccine in its routine immunization Program for children. She reiterated the commitment of the Government to improving the access to immunization services .