ISLAMABAD: Canada has announced a contribution of $20 million to be paid over the next three years for eradication of polio in Pakistan. The contribution will support the Unicef ‘Polio Plus Initiative’ by increasing coverage, access and effectiveness of polio vaccine.

Canadian Minister of State for Multiculturalism Tim Uppal, concluding his visit to the country on Wednesday, said: “Canada’s continued support will increase the number of children immunised, improve access for vaccinators by increasing community acceptance and increase effectiveness of the vaccine by decreasing vulnerability to polio from malnutrition and illness.”

“In Pakistan, Canada was the first donor to tackle the conditions that allow polio to continue to keep a foothold, something of which we can all be proud of,” said Mr Uppal.

Canada is a leading supporter of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative’s goal of eradicating the disease by 2018, and contributing to fight against polio in several critical areas, including sub-Saharan Africa, Afghanistan and in three primary endemic high-risk areas in Pakistan.

Mr Uppal held talks with government officials and met vaccinators and doctors during the trip. He also visited a mosque, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and Joseph colony of Christian community in Lahore.

The ‘Polio Plus’ initiative directly engages community groups, religious leaders and elders in endemic areas to address gaps in the delivery of social services, enhance community sensitisation and trust which in turn increases acceptance and safe passage for polio vaccination teams. The initiative supports polio eradication by increasing coverage, access and effectiveness of vaccine and targets three primary endemic high-risk areas.