France Strengthens Support for Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Campaign

French Ambassador to Pakistan, Nicolas Galey, pledged France’s continued support for Pakistan’s fight against polio. The ambassador made his remarks at a gathering hosted at the French residence in Islamabad, which included key figures such as Ayesha Farooq, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, and Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Health. The event also saw the participation of representatives from the Polio Oversight Board (POB), diplomatic missions, NGOs, and other partners working to combat polio.

Ambassador Galey stressed the importance of collective efforts in eradicating polio, underscoring the urgent need for global action on this front. “The fact that so many organizations are coming together for this cause speaks volumes about its urgency—not just for Pakistan, but for the world,” he said. Galey lauded the Polio Oversight Board’s visits to Pakistan and Afghanistan, which enable stakeholders to evaluate the on-ground situation and refine strategies.

The ambassador also highlighted the vital role played by Pakistan’s government, particularly Ayesha Farooq, in uniting both national and international stakeholders to address the polio challenge. He paid special tribute to the health workers and security personnel who risk their lives daily to ensure that vaccines reach vulnerable communities in often dangerous conditions. “Many have sacrificed their lives for this cause, showing tremendous dedication to securing a polio-free future for Pakistan’s children,” Galey remarked.

Further emphasizing France’s commitment to the cause, Galey announced a €50 million concessional loan (approximately $55 million), extended through the French development agency in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This funding will support the World Health Organization’s (WHO) polio program in Pakistan, including key areas such as health worker salaries and monitoring.

“This financial commitment underscores France’s unwavering support for global health initiatives,” Galey stated. He stressed the importance of international cooperation, not only for polio eradication but also for addressing other global challenges, such as climate change and disease control.

In closing, Ambassador Galey expressed gratitude to all involved in the fight against polio and emphasized that the combined efforts of both public and private sectors are essential to achieving a polio-free world. “By working together, we will overcome these challenges,” he concluded, reiterating France’s ongoing dedication to Pakistan’s health and wellbeing.