ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, Ayesha Raza Khan, on Thursday met with Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Tarik Ali Khan, appreciating Ottawa’s longstanding support in the fight against polio in Pakistan, a statement by Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative said.
Ali Khan was received today at the National Emergency Operations Center along with core group members and representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization, the statement said.
The focal person acknowledged Canada’s longstanding support in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts, which contributed to a 99% reduction in cases since 1994, the statement added.
Raza highlighted the dedication of over 400,000 vaccinators, of whom more than half were women.
She also praised Canada’s leadership in promoting gender equality, a value deeply aligned with Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Program, the statement added.
“As we near eradication, sustaining momentum through continued collaboration and investment is vital to ensure no child ever faces paralysis again,” she stated.
Polio in Pakistan
This month, a new case of wild poliovirus was confirmed in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by the country’s Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health in Islamabad.
This marks Pakistan's 2025 tally at 30 cases.
The Polio Eradication Initiative has intensified operations to sustain comprehensive coverage and ensure high-quality campaigns in vulnerable areas.
Target killings
The health workers and vaccinators continue to remain victims of target killings by the militant outfits during the nationwide campaign against the paralytic poliovirus.
According to the estimates, there have been approximately 33 attacks resulting in 27 deaths and 77 injuries in 2024.
The attacks have also claimed the lives of 17 security personnel, as per the estimates.
Of these attacks, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province alone, 30 attacks were recorded, leaving 19 individuals killed, including two polio frontline workers.
In addition, 16 security forces were also killed as per the estimates.
Khan expressed Canada’s continued commitment to protecting children in Pakistan and showed deep interest in understanding the program’s challenges.
He also praised the dedication of frontline workers, especially the thousands of women working tirelessly to protect children.
The visit reaffirmed the shared vision of both nations to secure a polio-free future for every child.
