PM Shehbaz Inaugurates Nationwide Polio Drive, Vows to End Disease in Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially launched Pakistan’s first polio eradication campaign of 2025 on Sunday by administering polio drops to children under five. The week-long nationwide initiative, running from February 3 to 9, aims to immunize millions of children and ensure a healthier future for the nation.

Government’s Commitment to a Polio-Free Pakistan

During the launch event, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating polio, emphasizing that the crippling disease remains a major public health challenge. He praised the tireless efforts of vaccination teams working in remote and hard-to-reach areas, urging them to continue their mission with dedication.

Progress in the Fight Against Polio

Last year, Pakistan reported 77 cases of polio, posing a significant challenge to eradication efforts. However, in a positive development, only one case has been reported so far in 2025. The prime minister expressed optimism that with coordinated national and international efforts, the disease could be completely eradicated.

Global Support for Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Drive

PM Shehbaz acknowledged and appreciated the critical role played by global partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Saudi Arabia, in supporting Pakistan’s polio eradication program. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation with Afghanistan in tackling polio across borders.

Call for Public Cooperation

PM’s Coordinator on National Health Services, Dr. Mukhtar Bharat, stressed the significance of transparency in reporting polio cases, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing the issue head-on. Meanwhile, Aysha Raza Farooq, PM’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, urged parents and communities to actively participate in the vaccination campaign to protect their children from the life-threatening disease.

With strong governmental support, international collaboration, and dedicated health teams, Pakistan is moving closer to achieving a polio-free future. The success of this campaign depends on collective efforts from all sectors of society.

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