ISLAMABAD  – Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Sector Shahnaz Wazir Ali on Sunday said that the government was taking measures for the eradication of polio in the country.
Talking to state-run-television, she said that polio cases have decreased due to the efforts of the government. She said that the government and development partners are putting all efforts to make Pakistan a polio-free country and sought support of the general public and local communities.
She said the authorities concerned of provinces have been asked to ensure 100 percent coverage during the immunization drive. The provinces have also been directed to reach all children to protect them from this crippling disease, she added.
Replying to a question, she said that the government was getting support of parliamentarians, media persons and Ulema to address the issues like refusal of administering polio vaccine to the children and low coverage of vaccination in some areas.
She said that collective efforts of the government, development partners, local communities and media could help alleviate the sufferings of all the children.
Meanwhile, Capital Development Authority (CDA) Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has established a Multi-Sectoral Health Forum against dengue virus.
Director DHS, Dr Hasan Orooj while talking to APP on Sunday said that the forum has maximum number of health and non-health partners collaborating for the prevention of diseases. He said that the reason for establishing the forum to invite Sanitation, DMA, enforcement, environment, engineering, water management directorates to join hands against the prevention of dengue epidemic.
Meanwhile, CDA also organized a walk against the disease which was participated by a large number of people from various walks of life. The walk led by Director DHS Dr Hasan Orooj, started from ‘Sabzi Mandi’ and culminated at Faizabad.
The participants carrying placards and banners inscribed with precautionary measures against dengue virus.
Meanwhile, Capital Development Authority (CDA),  Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has convened a meeting on Monday,  with major stakeholders to review measures taken for the prevention of dengue fever in the capital city.
The meeting will be chaired by Chairman CDA Engineer Farkhand Iqbal. The meeting will also be attended by representatives of World Health Organization, UNDP, UNICEF, USAID, private educational institutions regulatory authority, Shifa International Hospital, NESCOM hospital, KRK Hospital and senior officials of CDA.