Islamabad, May 19, 2015 - Independent Monitoring Board for Polio Eradication Initiative issued it's detailed report on global polio eradication initiative commending turnaround in the Polio eradication effort by Pakistan Government. Pakistan has demonstrated that progress can be made fast in the fight against Polio reads the report that lays out a critical analysis of countries where polio is endemic.  The report goes on to recognize that Pakistan has made a positive difference. IMB report stated that the same enthusiasm is needed to translate this positive momentum into operational improvement, and so into meaningful progress against polio.

The Report makes special mention of National Emergency Operations Centre with strong leadership from the government and support from partners. “There is a real sense of collaboration – between the different parties that govern the country and its provinces; between the civil administration and the military; and, between the programme’s partners” the IMB report stated.

Discussing the progress in each province, IMB valued the performance of Punjab for having the best routine immunization coverage in Pakistan. “The province is innovating, using technology to track and support vaccinators’ work. But bordering the Northern Sindh outbreak, and with substantial movement between provinces, Punjab must retain the highest level of vigilance against polio, recommended IMB in its report.

In April 2015, an environmental sample of Gadap, Karachi with no poliovirus presence is a positive sign for the programme. However IMB worried about the delayed campaigns and regular spread of virus from Karachi to other parts of Pakistan. IMB also highlighted the violence element of the city that threatens to disrupt even the best-planned of campaigns.

The official report of IMB suggested urgent strengthening of the programme in Peshawar, with strong leadership and some new ideas. The greatest challenge remains in specific small areas, which need concentrated focus to match the specific local context. These are not only in Peshawar – parts of Bannu and Tank need special attention too. IMB highlighted. IMB report claimed Sehat ka Ittihad as a step in the right direction.

The IMB welcomed positive developments in FATA with access gained in North and South Waziristan agencies. “The programme in FATA is well led, and has achieved an increase in accessibility over recent months” asserted IMB report.

Concern was expressed over quality indicators and poor campaign performance in Quetta district but IMB voiced its confidence over the leadership of recently established EOC.

IMB recommended the top leadership of Pakistan to ensure the complete implementation of National emergency Action Plan for Polio in the country. IMB highlighted the issue of delayed payments to polio workers that is considered as an impediment towards the course of smooth implementation. In this regard, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq ensured that a dedicated Task Team at the NEOC has already been assigned to review disbursement mechanism from all three source of funding i-e UAE, WHO as well as the top ups by provincial Governments with a view to enhance efficiency wherein the frontline workers receive their payments in the shortest possible time while maintaining complete transparency. Instructions have also been issued to all provincial EOCs to ensure clearing all payments to Polio workers before the onset of Ramadan.While commending the National Emergency Operation centre in Pakistan, IMB strongly recommended officials of the Southern and Eastern regions of Afghanistan to visit the Emergency Operations Centres of Pakistan and return with lessons that can be appropriately applied in Afghanistan with urgency.