ECNEC approves $1.78bn emergency plan for polio eradication

September 05, 2023 (MLN): The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Monday considered and approved the Emergency Plan for Polio Eradication worth $1.78 billion, as reported in a press release issued by the Finance Division on the same day.

The cost includes a grant from Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners of $1.20 billion, a loan of $552 million from the Islamic Development Bank, and a loan of $35m from AFD.

The summary was tabled by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination.

This project will supply polio eradication vaccines all over Pakistan and will be executed by the World Health Organization (WHO)and UNICEF.

ECNEC after discussion extended the duration of umbrella PC-1 of the project to three years with authorization to the Economic Affairs Division (EAD) to enter into loan agreements to finance the project on behalf of the government to achieve the objectives of eradication of Polio and make polio-free Pakistan.

Moreover, the committee requested the Planning Commission and Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination to provide a project/programme evaluation of the Polio Eradication programme and integrated lessons learnt in the implementation of Phase –III.

ECNEC also directed that a committee, co-chaired by the Secretary of Finance and Secretary EAD, be established to examine the re-lending arrangements with provinces for funding similar-natured projects.

This committee should provide clear recommendations to ensure the proper implementation of these projects.

Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs and Privatisation Dr. Shamshad Akhtar chaired the meeting along with other government officials.

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