A discussion with 
Amb. John E. Lange
Senior Fellow, Global Health Diplomacy
United Nations Foundation

Dr. Samia Altaf  
Former Acting Director and Senior Advisor
Office of Health  
USAID Mission in Islamabad, Pakistan 

Moderated by 
Mr. Shuja Nawaz
Director, South Asia Center 
Atlantic Council

Pakistan is one of just three countries where polio remains endemic. With sixty-six cases reported in the country this year and a grave warning issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) of a resurgence, the disease threatens not just Pakistan but countries across the world that have waged successful polio-eradication campaigns.  Pakistan’s health system faces challenges in addressing this threat, including limited access to remote areas and violence against polio campaign workers. Yet, increasing amounts of funding, steadily developing science, and modified organizational plans have consistently failed to surpass these challenges. Pakistan is reportedly ramping up efforts after an international travel ban issued by the WHO will prevent individuals from leaving Pakistan without proof of vaccination as of June 1. The speakers will talk about measures Pakistan is taking to tackle the polio threat in Pakistan, reactions to the WHO travel ban, and the role of foreign aid.  

The US-Pakistan Program is a comprehensive approach to US-Pakistan relations, focusing on the key areas of security, economic development, and public policy. The program explores these issues and their relevance, in order to develop a long-term, continuous dialogue between the United States and Pakistan. This project is generously supported by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.