|
|
Change Your Life! |
December 16:Victory (against polio) Day also |
|
News
|
|
|
August 9, 2000
Dhaka (UNB) - Highly praising the Bangladesh government for its tremendous success in eradicating polio, the UNICEF has observed that if Bangladesh remains free of polio rest of the year, it can be declared a polio-free country. "If Bangladesh remains polio-free rest of the year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina may wish to declare victory against polio by December 16, the victory day of Bangladesh," UNICEF country representative Shahida Azfar said yesterday (Tuesday). A delegation of UNICEF and representatives of diplomatic missions and UN agencies called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the morning. "We're very much aware of the sincere effort of the government for the progress in immunization programme," the UNICEF representative told the Prime Minister acknowledging the tremendous success achieved in the field in Bangladesh. The delegation members pointed out that eradication of polio in Bangladesh is the part of an international effort with each of the partners playing a vital role. The efforts of Bangladesh government and other partners, so far, have been extremely successful. The government and the people of Bangladesh must take the greatest credit for this success, they said. "We are nearly half way down the path, we must redouble our efforts to win the race. There are some efforts needed that only the government and the people of Bangladesh can do." They added. The delegation said that in spite of much improved reporting of suspected polio cases, no polio virus has yet been identified this year in Bangladesh. They said all partners, including the government of Japan, USA, UK, UNICEF, World Bank, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Rotary International take great pride with the government of Bangladesh for this remarkable success. The delegation members said as the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman spearheaded small pox eradication efforts 25 years ago, so his daughter prime Minister Sheikh Hasina may lead her people to a polio-free future. The Prime Minister thanked the UNICEF and other contributors for their efforts in eradicating polio successfully from this country saying that "you're contributing significantly to eradicate polio." Assuring of continued sincere efforts to assist them in this great task, she said: "We'll mobilise all our resources to monitor and for other help that may be needed. We'll direct our concerned people to assist you in your gigantic efforts." The delegation included Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Kazuyushi Urabe, Charge d' Affaires of US Embassy Christopher W Webster, USAID representative Charles Llewelly, DFID director Paul Ackloyd, World Bank country director Frederick Temple and WHO representative Dr Haraotanojo. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr SA Samad and Health Secretary Sayed Alamgir Farrouk Chowdhury were present. |