World Health Organization's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, has reaffirmed WHO's support for intensifying Pakistan's fight against paralytic polio.

During her visit to Pakistan along with the Polio Oversight Board, Dr. Balkhy praised the government's strong leadership, saying the country has a genuine opportunity to interrupt wild poliovirus transmission if current efforts are intensified.

She commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Government of Pakistan for their strong leadership and whole-of-government commitment to protecting every child from polio, not only in Pakistan but also across the region and the world.

Dr Hanan Balkhy also underscored the importance of sustained government commitment, strengthening routine immunization, and enhancing cross-border cooperation with Afghanistan, the only other country where wild poliovirus remains endemic.

During the visit, the high-level delegation met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, senior government officials, military leaders, and frontline polio workers.