POLIO ERADICATION
Aziz Memon travels and meets tribal leaders to dispel myths surrounding the crippling childhood disease
Pakistan is one of only three countries in the world with ongoing wild polio virus transmission, alongside Afghanistan and Nigeria. In the last stage of polio eradication, Pakistan has made tremendous progresstowards poliovirus transmission interruption and eradication.
Two years ago, transmission of the wild polio virus was widespread. In less than 24 months, a reinvigorated programme has been able to first stem the tide of uncontrolled transmission and then tackle the more chronic underlying challenges that have proven obstacles to virus interruption and eradication.
Aziz Memon, the national chair for Pakistan PolioPlus Committee has been on the forefront of the battle against polio.
“The biggest thing to remember is that wars are of different types – ours is more savage,” he says.
The number of children paralyzed by the wild polio virus has dropped progressively from 306 in 2014 to 54 in 2015 to 20 in 2016 and 2 cases in 2017 so far.
Mr. Memon has been awarded many international awards in recognition of his tireless efforts towards eradication of polio. These include:
- As recognition for commitment to Polio Free World, House of Representatives, USA, included in “Congress Record” in their proceeding and debates of the 114th Congress, second session by approving a private bill tabled by Hon. Daniel M. Donovan, JR, on Wednesday 23rd of March, 2016.
- In recognition of laudable services towards eradication of Polio “Louis Pasteur Medal” awarded on 24th of October, 2016, by the Pasteur Institute of France.
- On special contribution for Polio eradication, Sanofi Pasteur awarded a “Polio Heroes Award” on 24th of October, 2016.
