ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the nationwide anti-polio campaign for 2025 on Sunday by administering polio drops to children under the age of five.
During the launch event, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his government’s dedication to eliminating polio from Pakistan. He emphasized that the focus of the national vaccination campaign would be on millions of children across the country to safeguard their health and future.
To eradicate the disease, PM Shehbaz expressed confidence that the dedicated teams would work tirelessly to reach even the most remote areas and communities. He noted that these teams were crucial in fulfilling the national responsibility of eradicating polio.
He also acknowledged the challenges posed by polio, revealing that 77 cases were reported in the previous year, presenting significant hurdles. However, he highlighted that only one case had been reported this year, stressing the importance of continued effort to completely eliminate the disease with the help of international partners.
The Prime Minister also expressed hope that, through international cooperation, polio would be eradicated not only in Pakistan but also in neighboring Afghanistan.
PM Shehbaz praised the support of international partners, including the WHO, UNICEF, the Bill Gates Foundation, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for their unwavering commitment and efforts towards the country’s goal of eradicating polio.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharat, PM’s Coordinator on National Health Services, acknowledged the challenges posed by polio, citing the number of cases reported last year, but highlighted the positive outcomes achieved through collective efforts. He credited the Prime Minister’s supervision as essential for the success of the campaign.
Aysha Raza Farooq, PM’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, called for public involvement in the vaccination effort, urging parents to participate in safeguarding their children from polio.
