Deputy PM Meets WHO delegation

Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the administrative deputy prime minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, convened with Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhi, the Director General of the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organization  at Chahar Chanar Palace, today.

During this gathering, which also included the presence of Honorable Mawlawi Noorjalal Jalali, Acting Minister of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhi, the Director General of the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organization, inspected the newly inaugurated addiction treatment center in Balkh and visited several hospitals and patients. Discussions revolved around various diseases preventable through vaccinations, with plans outlined to collaborate with the Acting Minister of Health to devise a comprehensive strategy for combating drug addiction and treating affected individuals.

Dr. Christopher Elias, the General Director of the Health Department at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, stressed the importance of eradicating polio in Afghanistan and Pakistan, pledging to work closely with the Ministry of Public Health to prevent future cases among children.

Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi underscored the significance of the World Health Organization’s activities in Afghanistan and advocated for enhanced coordination with the Ministry of Public Health. Expressing gratitude for their contributions in vaccination and healthcare services, he reinforced the commitment to ensuring universal vaccination coverage, polio eradication, and overall public health improvement.

Mr. Hanafi urged the World Health Organization officials to activate Afghanistan’s membership within the organization, emphasizing the need for medical visas for patients, comprehensive addiction treatment, management of infectious diseases, establishment of a cancer treatment facility, augmentation of medical personnel, and enhancement of the polio laboratory’s infrastructure.

Furthermore, he highlighted the detrimental impacts of distributing outdated and substandard medications and kits, both on patients and international institution credibility, emphasizing the necessity for strict prevention measures against such practices.

Dr. Hanan Hassan Balkhi assured Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi of addressing the concerns regarding the distribution of outdated medical supplies, affirming her commitment to advocating for Afghanistan’s prompt accession to World Health Organization membership.