WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reaffirmed full support for a polio-free Pakistan. He praised Pakistan’s strong political commitment to eradicate the virus. He expressed confidence during a high-level meeting in Geneva.
The assurance came after talks with polio focal person Ayesha Raza Farooq. She briefed Dr Tedros on progress and remaining challenges. She highlighted measures led under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s patronage.
Read more: Polio case raises Pakistan tally to 31
Both sides discussed a final sprint to eliminate polio by 2026. Priorities included large-scale vaccination drives in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They also stressed closer coordination between polio and routine immunisation programmes.
Dr Tedros appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and promised donor advocacy. He said global cooperation would help Pakistan reach the finish line. Ms Farooq thanked international partners for continued support.
Read more: 935,000 children left unvaccinated in Pakistan polio campaign
The meeting followed confirmation of Pakistan’s 31st polio case in 2025. The case involved a four-month-old child from North Waziristan. Authorities urged parents to vaccinate children in every campaign.