Aseefa Bhutto Zardari vows to eradicate polio from Pakistan

Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the daughter of President Asif Ali Zardari and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto vowed to carry on the mission of her mother by standing up against forces that have politicized the anti-polio campaigns.

While interviewing to Express Tribune, Pakistan’s goodwill ambassador Aseefa Bhutto said, “We would not allow them (Taliban) to disrupt the anti-polio campaign. By administering polio drops to her own children, my mother set a precedent for all parents in the country”.

Earlier, some factions of the militants imposed ban on the immunization programme in the tribal belt, linking it with drone attacks.

She further said that her mother left a great vision and she will give her best to carry her legacy to make the country polio-free.

The goodwill ambassador was of the opinion that the government would leave no stone unturned in eradicating the disease from the country, citing recently introduced National Polio Emergency Plan.

Commenting about the misconceptions regarding the polo campaigns faced by other countries, she said that such hurdles damaged the eradication drives.

Aseefa commented that the religious leaders could become strong advocates for the campaigns if they are engaged issued references called for saving children.

She added, “We are collaborating with the ministry of religious affairs and have brought on board over 730 ulema who have put their weight behind the campaign”.

The young ambassador said that the disease has been ended from the entire Muslim world except Pakistan and Afghanistan.

“The worst thing one can do is to drag politics in this issue which affects the health and well being of our children,” she pledged.

Terming the inaccessibility in parts of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) a major issue in the eradication campaign, she said the government was working closely with the armed forces in running campaigns whenever it finds a window of opportunity.

She made it clear that funds for the polio drive are received and consumed by the federal government, adding she is in constant contact with all stakeholders in this regard.

The bravo daughter of Benazir Bhutto offered thanks to all political and religious forces of the country that have helped her in conveying the message against polio across the country.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=30654

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Aug 10 2012. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan, Society. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.