DUBAI, The 36th meeting of the WHO Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication for Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which was hosted by the UAE in Dubai, has discussed the latest developments and the annual reports of various countries. The meeting aims to review the current situation and developments of the polio eradication strategy in the region, and to come up with recommendations that support the global strategy.
Dr. Nada Hassan Al Marzooqi, Director of Public Health and Prevention Department, MoHAP, and Dr. Yagoub Al Mazrou, Chairman of the Regional Certification Committee for Polio Eradication for Eastern Mediterranean Region, took part in the meeting, in addition to members of the technical team of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and representatives of the member states of the Committee.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Nada stressed that the UAE pays utmost attention to developing national programmes for monitoring and detecting any cases of acute flaccid paralysis, in accordance with the WHO’s guidelines, adding that MoHAP and other health authorities are cooperating to maintaining high polio vaccination coverage of more than 95 percent.
“The ministry will spare no effort to improve the polio surveillance system to immediately report any acute flaccid paralysis cases as soon as they are discovered in any health facilities,” she said.
She noted that the UAE has excelled in combating the illness and has become a regional and international role model in polio eradication and control. The UAE will continue to activate the national response plan to brace for facing any suspected cases coming from outside the country, she added.
Suspected cases will be handled accurately, scientifically, and in accordance with global best practices, Dr. Nada stated, lauding the great efforts made by the WHO Regional Committee for the Eradication of Polio in the Eastern Mediterranean Countries as well as the contribution of every individual working on the national health security initiatives in every nation.
Source: Emirates News Agency