Shehbaz Launches National Anti-Polio Campaign to Protect 30 Million Children

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday initiated a nationwide anti-polio campaign, aiming for the complete eradication of polio in Pakistan. This campaign, covering 115 districts across the country, will target over 30 million children under the age of five, ensuring they receive vital protection from the debilitating disease. Scheduled from September 9 to 15, a dedicated workforce of 286,000 polio workers will go door-to-door to administer the life-saving polio vaccine.

International Support in Fight Against Polio

Shehbaz expressed gratitude to international organizations and partners who are collaborating with the government in this critical battle. “We are thankful to the partners and friendly international organizations cooperating with the government in the fight against polio,” the prime minister remarked. He voiced optimism that through joint efforts with provincial governments and partners, Pakistan will successfully eliminate polio.

Commitment to Eradication and Call to Parents

The prime minister emphasized the importance of community involvement in this national mission. He urged parents to ensure their children under five receive the vaccine, highlighting the risk of lifelong disability without it. “Our efforts to eliminate polio from Pakistan will certainly bear fruit, Insha’Allah,” Shehbaz stated. He paid tribute to the efforts of officials, polio workers, and security personnel involved in the fight. In a symbolic gesture of commitment, the prime minister personally administered polio drops to children at the ceremony.The event was attended by several key figures, including Dr. Mukhtar Bharath, Ayesha Raza Farooq, and representatives from the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Gates Foundation, and the United Nations.