PM Shehbaz kicks off first polio drive of 2025 to inoculate millions of children
1. Premier hopes crippling disease in Afghanistan would also end with international coordination, support
In a significant move to make Pakistan a polio-free nation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the country’s first nationwide anti-polio campaign for 2025 on Sunday. He administered polio drops to children under the age of five as part of the campaign’s initiation.
During the launch ceremony, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating the crippling disease from Pakistan. He emphasized that the vaccination drive would target millions of children nationwide, aiming to protect their future and health. The campaign will run from February 3 to 9.
The prime minister expressed confidence that the dedicated vaccination teams would work tirelessly to reach remote areas and villages, ensuring the success of the initiative. He urged these teams to fully utilize their energy to meet the country's pressing national responsibility.
PM Shehbaz noted that while 77 polio cases were reported last year, a significant setback, only one case has been reported this year. He vowed to eradicate polio at all costs, with continued teamwork and support from international partners.
He also expressed hope that, through international cooperation, the polio issue in neighboring Afghanistan would be brought to an end. PM Shehbaz extended his gratitude to international partners, including the WHO, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Saudi Arabia, for their ongoing commitment and support in the fight against polio.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharat, PM’s Coordinator on National Health Services, highlighted the transparency of the campaign, noting that last year’s polio cases were openly shared with the international community. He commended the collective efforts, noting that only one case had been reported this year, a sign of progress.
PM’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, Aysha Raza Farooq, emphasized that eradicating polio requires the participation of all sectors of society. She urged parents to coordinate with the vaccination efforts and help protect their children from the disease.
