PM launches anti-polio campaign, commits to eradicate virus forever
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the anti-polio campaign by administering polio drops to children under the age of five, reaffirming the government’s dedication to completely eliminating the polio virus from Pakistan.
During the event, the prime minister expressed concern over the rising number of polio cases, with approximately 60 new cases reported, but reassured that with the collective efforts of both the federal and provincial governments, the country would successfully overcome this issue.
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In his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his gratitude to international partners that have supported Pakistan in its battle against polio, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Saudi Arabian government.
He specifically thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman for his significant contributions to the anti-polio campaign in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
“I am particularly grateful to the Saudi government and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for their invaluable support in eliminating polio not just in Pakistan, but also in Afghanistan. I deeply appreciate the efforts of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and WHO, and I assure you that we will continue to move forward together, determined to eradicate polio once and for all,” he said.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ayesha Raza Farooq and Dr. Bharat, the campaign seeks to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated, with over 400,000 polio workers deployed across 143 districts nationwide.
The prime minister urged parents to actively participate in the campaign and ensure their children’s protection from polio, a disease that remains a serious threat in the region.
He also praised the dedication of polio workers, acknowledging their bravery and hard work under challenging conditions. He expressed his appreciation to the security forces and law enforcement agencies for their crucial role in safeguarding the polio teams during their important work.
Earlier, Dr. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s focal person for the anti-polio campaign, thanked the Prime Minister for his unwavering support and involvement.
She emphasized that the Prime Minister’s ongoing participation in the fight against polio was a clear indication of his commitment to ensuring the health and safety of Pakistan’s children. She assured that the campaign would leave no stone unturned in its mission to vaccinate every child against the disease.
