Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to Polio Eradication at High-Level Islamabad Session

Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to eradicating polio was reaffirmed during a high-level session in Islamabad, bringing together national leaders, global health experts and international development partners to recognize the tireless efforts of frontline workers and strengthen cooperation toward achieving a polio-free future.

Speaking after the event, UNICEF Polio Ambassador Syeda Amna Khan paid tribute to the thousands of frontline health workers who continue to serve on the frontlines of Pakistan’s nationwide immunization campaigns.

“Our real heroes are our frontline workers. Behind every successful polio campaign stands a dedicated team protecting every child,” she said, emphasizing that the country’s progress against the disease is driven by the commitment and sacrifices of vaccinators and health personnel working in communities across Pakistan.

Amna Khan said it was an honour to represent Pakistan at the important gathering alongside Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, whose leadership has played a pivotal role in advancing the country’s polio eradication efforts, and Dr. Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer of Gavi, who continues to champion global immunization initiatives.

The session also brought together prominent international health leaders and development partners, including Mike McGovern, Chair of the Rotary International Polio Oversight Board; Dr. Chris Elias, President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation; Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director of the World Health Organization’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office; Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director of UNICEF for South Asia; Dr. Ziad Memish, Senior Advisor at KSrelief; Dr. Omotayo Bola of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Aziz Memon of Rotary International; Pernille Ironside of UNICEF; and Dr. Dapeng Luo of the World Health Organization.

Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening routine immunization, supporting frontline vaccination teams and accelerating efforts to eliminate the poliovirus from Pakistan.

The gathering underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between the Government of Pakistan and international partners, including UNICEF, the World Health Organization, Rotary International, Gavi, the Gates Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in ensuring that every child is protected against the disease.