ISLAMABAD, Oct 2 (APP): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged authorities to intensify efforts to eliminate polio and hepatitis following Pakistan’s achievement of eradicating Trachoma, a contagious eye infection, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a ceremony where Dr. Lou Dapeng, Head of Mission for WHO in Pakistan, presented the Trachoma-Free Pakistan certificate, stressed the need for continued efforts to eliminate polio and hepatitis.
Trachoma, caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium, can result in blindness if left untreated.
PM Shehbaz praised the collaborative efforts of the Health Ministry, provincial governments, and stakeholders in eradicating Trachoma, saving the sight of countless individuals.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum and urged authorities to focus on eradicating other preventable diseases, including polio and hepatitis.
Recounting his tenure as Punjab chief minister, the Prime Minister highlighted his successful health initiatives and offered the cooperation of the Federal Government to sustain these programs under current leadership.
Meanwhile, WHO lauded Pakistan’s achievement, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praising the efforts of health workers.
Dr. Luo Dapeng highlighted the effective implementation of the SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial Cleanliness, and Environmental Improvement), noting that this success would prevent thousands from suffering blindness.
