IDB approves $10 million to Pakistan for polio eradication

ISLAMABAD: The Jeddah based Islamic Development Bank on Wednesday has approved $10 million for Pakistan to eradicate polio in the country.

While addressing the launch event of “Support of Pakistan Polio Eradication Program (2019-2021),” Hammad Azhar, Federal Minister for Economic and Development Affairs said, “Today we are celebrating the long-standing partnership with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).”

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“Over the years we have come to count on IsDB to keep up against the fight for a Polio-free Pakistan.” He also thanked the LLF for the grant in addition to an earlier loan of $90 million for polio eradication, stated the press release.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza also spoke at the event, stated the press release. The financial assistance provided by the IDB has strengthened operations and surveillance activities of the program, he said.

“It has made the polio eradication program more adaptable and responsive to dynamic and rapidly changing polio eradication environment.

The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has provided huge financial support to Pakistan for polio eradication and also contributed to bringing a ‘religious’ element in the program which has positively influenced the community’s trust and acceptance,” he said.

The IDB and LLF representatives of Islamic Soli­darity Fund for Develop­ment, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Qatar Fund for Development, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center.

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Abu Dhabi Fund for Development praised the government of Pakistan for its efforts in polio eradication and assured it of their continued support in the fight against poliovirus, stated the press release.

The Lives and Livelihood Fund (LLF) mission also visited the outskirts of Islamabad Capital Territory and participated in an activity under the nationwide vaccination campaign which began on Dec 16, under which 39.5 million children under the age of five are being vaccinated.

In November, the Pakistani government had assured its international donors and partners at an event held in Abu Dhabi of their renewed efforts in eradicating poliovirus amid serious concerns of a resurgence in the country.