The World Bank has approved a $46.7 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the Government of Pakistan's effort to eradicate polio, says a bank announcement. It is designed to help supply the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) for Pakistan's Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) during 2006-07. "Polio is almost history in Pakistan but there is no room for complacency. Continued low intensity transmission of wild polio virus requires intensification and continuation of our efforts," says John Wall, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. He said this project will ensure continuation of supplemental immunization activities to stop transmission and eradicate polio successfully. "It will benefit under-five children, especially from poor families who are unable to afford these services."
