Sharif vows to rid Pakistan of polio within six months
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 6 November 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Sharif vows to rid Pakistan of polio within six months, 6 November 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/548ea84b7.html [accessed 4 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
November 06, 2014
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addresses parliament in Islamabad in August.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has vowed to rid his country of polio during the next six months by vaccinating every child against the disease.
Sharif made the pledge on November 5 during a meeting of a steering committee on polio eradication in the capital, Islamabad.
Sharif, who said he would personally lead the effort, also announced the creation of a cabinet committee on polio eradication that will include his ministers for interior, defense, and health.
Pakistan is one of only three countries where the disease, which can cause paralysis and death, is endemic.
The country has detected 235 new polio cases so far in 2014 – a 14-year high.
Taliban militants have banned immunizations in Pakistan's tribal regions and attacked polio vaccination teams, accusing them of acting as spies for the United States.
Based on reporting by AP, BBC, and radio.gov.pk
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
