Dr. Shahzad Baig, the national coordinator for the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, announced his resignation, citing “personal reasons.” Dr. Baig is recognized by Time magazine as one of the top 100 global health leaders.
This announcement follows the Pakistani government’s decision to appoint a government official to lead the polio program. Dr. Baig’s resignation coincides with significant criticism over the continued spread of polio in Pakistan, where the virus has been detected in 153 environmental samples across 39 districts, affecting three children so far.
Government officials revealed that a bureaucrat will soon head the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) for polio due to the increasing prevalence of the virus. An official from the National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination (NHSR&C) stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has decided to replace Dr. Baig with a government official of BPS 21 or above to handle the operational aspects of the polio eradication initiative.
While Dr. Baig may continue as a technical advisor, administrative decisions will now be under the purview of a government-appointed official. This move is in response to the rapid spread of the wild poliovirus in Pakistan, with 126 positive environmental samples recorded in 28 districts in 2023.
According to the NHSR&C official, coordination issues have plagued the polio program, partly due to Dr. Baig not being a Government of Pakistan employee. Complaints from provincial coordinators and senior government officials about Dr. Baig were reportedly sent to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, contributing to the decision to replace him. A notification regarding the new appointment is expected soon, with even partner organizations agreeing on the necessity of this change.
