ISLAMABAD, 30 May 2023:  Chugtai Lab, a leading medical diagnostic centre in Pakistan, has embarked on a shared initiative with Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) to strengthen further the ongoing efforts to eliminate poliovirus transmission in Pakistan.

The partnership agreement was signed between the Polio Programme and Chugtai Lab at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC).  Dr. Mansoor Ali Wassan, Deputy National Coordinator of the Polio Programme and Husnain Bukhari, Regional Executive Manager of Chugtai Lab signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Under the partnership, the Lab will provide specific discounts (30% to 50%) to frontline Polio workers through a corporate service programme on tests, diagnostic procedures and reports.

Chugtai Lab’s key influencers will actively participate in Public Service Announcements, social media engagement and, disseminating awareness messages. They will also extend their support by assisting in the establishment of testing camps and organising sessions on special occasions and international health days.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our fight against poliovirus in Pakistan. The polio programme is an example of collaborative success, with a cross-sectoral approach, to develop a sense of ownership among the leadership of all sectors for the healthier future of our children,” said Deputy National Coordinator NEOC, Dr Mansoor. “With engagement with known organisations such as Chughtai Lab, we can send a message to the wider private sector to share their responsibility to create more resilient and inclusive health care systems and to collectively own the success against Polio,’’ he added further.

“Chugtai Lab is proud to stand together with the Pakistan Polio Eradication (PEI) Programme. We firmly believe in the power of collaboration and are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to make a tangible impact in polio eradication,” said Husnain Bukhari, Executive Regional Manager of Chugtai Lab. “By providing discounted test services, we aim to support the brave front-line workers who are tirelessly striving to eliminate poliovirus from our country,” he expressed his commitment on behalf of his organisation while speaking at the event.

The partnership between PEI and Chugtai Lab represents a shared vision to safeguard the health and well-being of Pakistan’s children. Together, both organisations will work to fulfil the dream of polio-free Pakistan.

Note for the Editor:

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus mainly affecting children under the age of five years. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this crippling disease. Each time a child under the age of five is vaccinated, their protection against the virus is increased. Repeated immunisations have protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become polio-free.

Pakistan is one of the two polio-endemic countries in the world along with its neighbour Afghanistan.

For more information, visit our website - https://www.endpolio.com.pk

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For further information, please contact:

Mr. Zulfiqar Babakhel, Media Manager, NEOC, 0345-9165937

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