ISLAMABAD – Pakistani health workers have started a campaign to vaccinate 30 million children against polio, days after the first case of contagious virus was reported in the federal capital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif immunised children in Islamabad, marking the start of a nationwide anti-polio campaign as several districts in Sindh implemented week-long vaccination efforts, aiming to reach approximately 9.4 million children across 30 districts.
This year, the country of 242 million saw 17 reported cases of virus causing crippling disease in children, with three coming from Sindh. The situation is worsened by positive environmental samples found in the province, indicating the virus is still circulating.
Pakistan, and Afghanistan, are the only two countries where polio is still active. Despite global attempts to eradicate the virus, reluctance towards vaccination, and misinformation continue to pose challenges.
Despite all odds, PM Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed dedication to eradicating polio in the country, stating that with joint efforts, the disease can be completely eliminated and prevented from resurfacing. He emphasized the importance of a unified approach to overcome the polio challenge.
At the ceremony, Prime Minister commended collective efforts of federal and provincial officials, health workers, and security personnel involved in the campaign. He expressed confidence that collaborative efforts with provincial leaders and health authorities will lead to the disease’s eradication.
The prime minister assured that expert teams are leading the campaign and expressed hope that the coordinated efforts of the government will result in a polio-free future, safeguarding the well-being of future generations.
