Punjab Urged to Stay Vigilant Against Polio Threat
Punjab has successfully achieved polio-free status, but health authorities caution that the virus could still spread into the province from other regions of Pakistan.
Speaking at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Uzma Kardar, focal person to the Punjab Chief Minister, highlighted that while Punjab has eliminated polio, population movement from other provinces poses a serious risk of reintroduction.
She praised the ongoing vaccination campaign in Rawalpindi, which has achieved 98% coverage, and urged parents to fully cooperate with polio teams. These teams are delivering doorstep vaccination, ensuring that no child is left unprotected.
Uzma Kardar was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Abdul Rehman Khan, CEO Health Dr. Usman Ghani, and District Health Officer Dr. Hafiz Jawwad, who all emphasized the importance of community support in sustaining eradication efforts.
She also commended the role of the media, health department personnel, and civil administration in strengthening the anti-polio drive. Their collective efforts have been crucial in maintaining Punjab’s polio-free status.
However, the warning remains clear: Punjab’s success is fragile unless vigilance continues. With people frequently traveling from provinces where polio persists, the risk of transmission is real. Sustained vaccination, awareness, and cooperation are essential to ensure that Punjab remains polio-free and that Pakistan moves closer to complete eradication of the virus.
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