26.08.2013, KSA – The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) for its support to the polio eradication program in Pakistan. This was contained in a statement by the WHO published on its website.

“With the Bank’s support, not only can polio be eradicated from Pakistan, but countless lives saved. These funds will help to ensure that millions of children are immunized against polio and disease surveillance activities are supported across the country. WHO would like to take this opportunity to express its appreciation of the IDB and OIC as partners in global polio eradication efforts”, read the statement.

On 03 August, 2013, IDB disbursed US$ 32.6 million as the first batch of disbursements of a US$ 227 million financing support package it had approved on 11 November, 2013, for polio eradication efforts in Pakistan. The financing was approved in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), whereas Pakistan will repay the principal amount of financing to the IDB while the BMGF would support the Government of Pakistan by paying the cost of the financing.

It is worth recalling that, at a meeting held in the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 27 September 2012, IDB Group Chairman, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali had joined world leaders to call for global solidarity against polio. Dr. Ali reaffirmed IDB’s commitment to global efforts to support polio eradication during his participation in the World Vaccine Summit in Abu Dhabi from 24-25 April 2013.