ISLAMABAD: The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for Polio has expressed satisfaction over the overall performance of Pakistan for eradication of polio from the country.

In a report released here on Tuesday, the IMB said that the past six months had witnessed a positive change in Pakistan. It said the signs of improvement were early, but clear.

The IMB which had portrayed a very negative picture of Pakistan’s efforts for polio eradication in 2014, said in the report that the country had progressed during the past six months.

Also read: ‘Community-based’ strategies urged to combat polio

It mentioned the establishment of a Focus Group by the prime minister and said the Pakistan’s National Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) was working well with strong leadership from the government and support from partners.

The report was prepared after a meeting of IMB held in Abu Dhabi on April 29-30 in which the board for the first time invited provincial representatives along with federal government’s officials.

The meeting was presided over by IMB Chairman Sir Liam Donaldson.

The IMB works on behalf of the international donor agencies and issues reports on the performance of countries after every six months.

In November 2012, the IMB recommended travel restrictions on Pakistan which had been imposed on the country on May 5 last year.

The IMB report recommended that the Pakistan’s National Task Force (NTF) should meet at least once in a month to oversee strict implementation of the National Emergency Action Plan.

It asked the NTF to resolve the payment issue of front-line workers, saying that the high morale of members of this crucial group was essential for the success of anti-polio campaigns.

The IMB has advised Afghanistan to follow the concept of Pakistan’s National Emergency Operation Centre, stating that “recent experience in Pakistan demonstrates that change can happen fast”. It suggested Afghanistan teams to visit Pakistan’s EOC.

“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 met with senior federal and provincial leaders, and was impressed with their insights into the polio eradication context and their determination to improve the situation,” says the report about the Pakistan’s performance.

Talking to Dawn, the head of EOC, Dr Rana Safdar, said that the report was a sign of relief for the Pakistan that first time IMB has praised the efforts of the country.

“However, there is long way to go so we will remain on toes to achieve the target of totally eradicating the polio virus from the country,” he said.

President of Pakistan Paediatrics Association Prof Tahir Masood Ahmad said that he was pleased to hear about the report.

“It speaks volume of the commitment shown at the higher level and the dedication of polio team,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2015

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