Pakistan has announced plans to develop a Polio vaccine locally in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Health, has reached out to UNICEF for support in this initiative.
During a meeting with the UNICEF Supply Chain Division Director, both parties discussed the health sector and the procurement of the Polio vaccine. UNICEF has committed to ensuring an uninterrupted supply of Polio vaccine and has agreed to assist in its local production.
Dr. Bharath emphasized that developing the vaccine domestically would not only satisfy local demand but also alleviate pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves. He noted that the government is dedicated to enhancing exports in line with the Prime Minister’s vision.
Pakistan has recently experienced a surge in Polio cases, and as of 2024, it remains one of only two countries in the world, along with Afghanistan, still affected by the Polio virus.
