WHO supported programmes/activities in Oman > WHO programmes of cooperation

Back

Intercountry workshops

2006

Technical Consultation on Polio Eradication for Afghanistan and Pakistan held in Muscat, Oman
6 to 7 December 2006 

The WHO Technical Consultation on Poliomyelitis Eradication in Afghanistan and Pakistan was held in Muscat, Oman (6-7 December 2006). The meeting was hosted by the Ministry of Health, Oman.

Addressing the two-day consultation, Dr Hussein Gezairy, Regional Director, WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region called for an all- out effort by all key partners and civil society in the fight against the poliovirus. He stated that, “after years of hard work, the only remaining focus of endemic transmission in the whole Region is the neighbouring border areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Joint efforts are essential to overcome the challenges of ongoing viral transmission.” 

He also acknowledged the ongoing efforts being made to eradicate polio in these two countries as well as the recent decision made to further strengthen on-going cross-border coordination in the fight against poliomyelitis.  

Representatives from Pakistan, Afghanistan as well as from WHO Regional Office and Headquarters attended the meeting. The consultation included presentations on the current epidemiological situation of poliomyelitis in both the countries.  

Dr M H Wahdan, Special Adviser (Polio) to the Regional Director, WHO/EMRO commended the   efforts of the governments in keeping the poliovirus confined to the areas of active conflict and preventing its spread elsewhere in Afghanistan and Pakistan as an achievement in itself. He however added that the task was far from complete and that the consultation hoped to arrive at simple, practical measures to address the constraints slowing down the progress of the programme and to exploit every possible opportunity in vaccinating the children against polio.