U.A.E. calls for intensified efforts against polio

NEW YORK: Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, has called for an intensification of the global campaign to eradicate polio. Dr. Anwar said this while opening an event hosted by the U.A.E. Ministry of International Cooperation and Development, MICAD, during the 69th UN General Assembly under the banner, "Polio Eradication: A Call to Action". The event was attended by high level representatives from international organisations, polio-affected countries, and various donor countries and organisations. "It is deeply regrettable that polio, so close to eradication, is now afflicting the most vulnerable children in areas of armed conflict and poverty," the Minister said in his opening address. He added, "As well as being a debilitating and sometimes lethal disease targeting the younger generations, polio has far reaching consequences for whole communities. The eradication of polio is, therefore, not an end in itself, but a means to supporting greater development and well-being more generally." The Director-General of the World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr. Margaret Chan, in her remarks to the meeting, recalled the WHO announcement of May 2014 that polio had once again become a global health emergency. Dr. Chan said, "The end of polio is within our reach. Success now depends on a handful of countries. We urgently need the active support and direct oversight of the leaders of Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan. We must re-double our efforts to deliver a polio-free Africa this year, and help Pakistan to get back on track to stop transmission by the end of 2015. The alternative is to face the potential consequences of a new polio pandemic that could disable hundreds of thousands of children within a decade." Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Pakistan Prime Minister's "Focal Person for Polio Eradication", spoke of the formidable challenges faced by Pakistan in the efforts to overcome the resurgence of polio in her country. She said, "With resilience, unwavering commitment and strong determination, the Government and people of Pakistan are carrying forward the epic fight against Polio. "The decisive operation against militants in North Waziristan has kindled hope and given a new fillip to not only this campaign but all development sector initiatives stalled by a retrogressive mindset. Gratitude is due for vital support extended by brotherly nations like the U.A.E., whose unstinting support in difficult times has been a shot in the arm. Together we shall rid Pakistan and the world of the shadows of disability caused by polio." Speaking on behalf of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the President of the Global Development Programme, Chris Elias, said, "To eradicate polio we need both leadership at the highest levels of government within Pakistan and support from the global community. This is not a disease that can be fought alone and the U.A.E.'s persistence and innovation in Pakistan exemplifies how countries can partner and work together to wipe the deadly disease off the face of the Earth." – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395269991292.html