ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday initiated a week-long nationwide anti-polio vaccination campaign in response to the recent outbreak of the virus. The drive, covering 115 districts, aims to vaccinate 30 million children under five years old.
Pakistan has reported 17 polio cases this year, including 12 from Balochistan, three from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad. The case in Islamabad is the first in the capital in 16 years, raising alarm and prompting immediate action.
The vaccination campaign, which will run until September 15, involves around 286,000 health workers conducting door-to-door visits to ensure every eligible child receives the polio vaccine.
Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of parental cooperation, urging families to vaccinate their children to protect them from the lifelong disability caused by polio. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s international partners and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating polio in collaboration with provincial authorities.
Polio, eradicated in most developed countries, continues to persist in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, and Nigeria. The disease remains a significant challenge in Pakistan, especially in conservative tribal areas where vaccination efforts face resistance. In 2012, the Taliban banned polio vaccinations in some regions, complicating efforts.
The ongoing vaccination campaigns are not without danger. Militants frequently target health workers and their security escorts, with nearly a dozen police officers killed this year while protecting vaccination teams. Despite these challenges, Pakistan remains determined to eliminate the virus and safeguard future generations.
