Facebook to address Pakistan's health integrity challenges online.

ISLAMABAD -- A Facebook delegation has re-affirmed the social media company's commitment to work with the Government of Pakistan to improve health integrity online.

The delegation assured this during a meeting with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza, who highlighted the importance of communicating correct health information online and stressed the need to counter harmful content on social media.

'As was seen in Peshawar in April, it is not just jeopardizing polio eradication efforts but also putting the lives of our children at risk. Moreover, we see the power of Facebook everyday through the blood donation initiative.'

Facebook and the Ministry of Health have been collaborating on targeted efforts to improve the reach of positive public health messages, dispelling rumours and fighting propaganda for the polio program and the Safe Blood Transfusion Programme.

'The generous support provided by Facebook is instrumental in reaching out to parents and caregivers with accurate health information,' added Dr Mirza.

The Facebook delegation, led by Rafael Frankel, Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Emerging Countries also visited the National Emergency Operations Centre for polio during the visit.

National Coordinator for Polio Dr Rana Muhammad Safdar briefed the team on the country's progress, remaining challenges and strategies being implemented to interrupt the polio virus transmission.

'Through close collaboration with the Facebook team, the polio programme has developed an optimization strategy, received support with awareness and call to action messages during national campaigns and much more.'

'We express...