In Riyadh Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal continued a series of high-level meetings focusing on polio eradication, holding discussions with Polio Oversight Board Chair Dr Chris Elias and WHO Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhi. The talks centered on progress and next steps to eliminate poliovirus from Pakistan, a declared top priority of the government.
Mustafa Kamal reiterated that the Prime Minister’s leadership underpins a firm national commitment to polio eradication and described coordinated strategies being implemented to ensure successful campaigns across the country. Emphasis was placed on combining technical planning with on-the-ground operations to maximise reach and impact.
Special attention is being given to high-risk districts including South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, central Pakistan and Karachi, where intensified efforts aim to close immunity gaps. The minister highlighted steps to reduce refusals by engaging religious and social leaders, noting measurable declines in noncompliant cases through community outreach and advocacy.
Officials discussed further strengthening the alignment between the polio programme and routine immunization services to reinforce overall vaccine coverage. Mustafa Kamal said the government is taking effective measures to boost routine immunization, ensuring that polio eradication efforts are sustained by high-quality protective vaccination across the country.
Dr Chris Elias praised Pakistan’s actions against polio and confirmed that robust support will continue at all levels to achieve the shared goal of a polio-free Pakistan. Both sides agreed to maintain close collaboration with WHO and partners to accelerate progress towards polio eradication.
