Islamabad, December 15, 2024: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the final polio eradication campaign of the year by administering anti-polio drops to children during a ceremony in Islamabad on Sunday.
In his address, the prime minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating poliovirus from Pakistan with the support of provincial administrations and international partners. He urged parents nationwide to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding future generations from the debilitating disease.
Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, shared details of the campaign, highlighting that approximately 400,000 polio workers would visit households across 143 districts to vaccinate children under the age of five.
“We appeal to parents to open their doors and cooperate fully with polio teams to ensure the success of this campaign,” she said.
Coordinator on Health Dr. Mukhtar Bharath stated that the campaign aims to vaccinate around 44 million children across the country, marking a significant step in the fight against polio.
The initiative underscores Pakistan’s determination to eliminate the poliovirus, ensuring every child is protected against this preventable disease.