Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the nationwide anti-polio campaign for 2025 on Sunday by administering polio drops to children under five.
During the launch ceremony, the prime minister reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio from Pakistan. He emphasized that millions of children across the country would be the focus of this vaccination campaign, which aims to safeguard their health and future.
PM Shehbaz expressed confidence that dedicated teams would work tirelessly to reach remote areas and underserved communities, ensuring the campaign's success. He stressed that these teams would fulfill their national duty with utmost dedication.
Highlighting last year's challenges, he mentioned that 77 polio cases were reported in Pakistan, marking a significant hurdle in the fight against the disease. However, he noted that only one case has been reported so far this year, reinforcing the government’s determination to eliminate polio with the support of international partners and collective efforts.
The prime minister also voiced optimism that, with global cooperation, polio could be eradicated from neighboring Afghanistan as well. He acknowledged the contributions of international organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Saudi Arabia, in supporting Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharat, the PM’s Coordinator on National Health Services, stated that they had transparently reported last year’s polio cases to the international community. He highlighted the positive impact of the government’s proactive approach, which has led to a significant decline in cases this year.
PM’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, Aysha Raza Farooq, emphasized that the vaccination drive is a collective effort requiring participation from all sectors of society. She urged parents to cooperate in protecting their children from the crippling disease.
