KABUL (BNA) In a constructive meeting between Afghanistan’s high-ranking delegation and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, significant progress was made in fostering healthcare initiatives and strengthening efforts to combat polio in the country.
The Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, emphasized the improved security measures and the fight against corruption, which have created a more favorable working environment for humanitarian and international organizations operating in Afghanistan.
The meeting, attended by Dr. Qalandar Ibad, the Acting Minister of Public Health, focused on various crucial topics, including the ongoing efforts against polio, Afghanistan’s current health status, regional health challenges, and other pertinent issues.
Dr. Hanan Balkhi, a delegate from the World Health Organization, expressed her commitment to facilitating dialogues between the governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan to foster cooperation in healthcare matters.
Dr. Balkhi revealed that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has allocated $15 million for healthcare initiatives in Afghanistan. Additionally, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have each contributed $3 million towards these efforts.
Notably, the Foundation has pledged a remarkable $500 million to support polio eradication endeavors in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Reaffirming the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) dedication to combating polio, Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi reiterated that polio eradication remains one of their foremost priorities. He emphasized the IEA’s commitment to ensuring the security of all healthcare teams, particularly those involved in polio vaccination campaigns.
Muttaqi also expressed readiness to engage in discussions with Pakistan regarding healthcare matters, highlighting the importance of separating health, education, humanitarian aid, and economic issues from politics.
In his concluding remarks, Muttaqi stressed the significance of the United Nations accepting Afghanistan’s representative in the World Health Organization.
The positive outcomes of this meeting demonstrate the collective efforts to enhance healthcare initiatives in Afghanistan and combat polio effectively.
Bakhtar
