LAHORE: World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Director Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala has promised allocation of US $100,000 for epidemic prevention and control, assuring full support to Punjab for the project, including training of technical staff, from the USA.

The announcement came during a meeting between Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid and Dr Mahipala at the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department on Monday.

P&SHD Secretary retired Capt Usman Younis, Punjab Health Services Director General Dr Haroon Jehangir, additional secretary technical Dr Asim Altaf and other senior officers and professionals were present.

While discussing the issues of mutual interest, the minister gave a detailed overview of the integrated strategy to control epidemics and communicable diseases highlighting a roadmap for future. She said Punjab would set up centres to control epidemics and communicable diseases. She said experts from the WHO would be asked to train local professionals.

“In order to combat epidemics, a research and development wing will be set up. We are keen to learn global best practices from reputable international health organisations. We are grateful to the WHO for appreciating our projects and pledging funds as well,” she said.

The visiting country director appreciated the Punjab government for adopting an integrated strategy for the control of epidemics while promising that the WHO would allocate $100,000 for epidemic prevention and control assuring full support to Punjab for the project.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2020