PM’s focal person for anti-polio drive appointed

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has nominated Ayesha Raza Farooq as Prime Minister’s focal person for the anti-polio campaign.

Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office Sara Aslam has informed the National Health Services Secretary about the nomination through a notification.

The Prime Minister’s Office has also formulated eight TORs for the focal person. She will keep the Prime Minister apprised of the latest situation of polio in the country; recommend to the Prime Minister measures to provide facilities on behalf of the federal government for the implementation of the National Emergency Action Plan in the provinces, districts and federal areas; provide facility to organize regular meetings of the National Anti-Polio Task Force; monitor the anti-polio campaign and guide all stakeholders including international partners to improve coverage of the campaign.

The focal person will lead the Polio Monitoring Cell at the central level; chair a review meeting every month and the National Steering Committee every week; represent Pakistan along with the National Technical Focal Person at all national and global polio eradication forums; hold dialogue with international development partners and donors to obtain funds for the anti-polio campaign. The Ministry of National Health Services will coordinate closely with the National Health Services to resolve issues related to polio in a timely manner.