Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that the government had been in contact with Afghanistan to eliminate polio.
Addressing the launching ceremony in Islamabad, the premier announced the launch of the first polio eradication campaign of 2025, aiming to immunise millions of children against the disease.
PM Shehbaz said, “We initiated the first polio eradication campaign of 2025 today.” He affirmed that millions of children would be safeguarded against polio through the administration of vaccine drops.
The prime minister underlined the responsibility of polio eradication teams, stating, “Anti-polio teams will fulfil their duty by administering vaccine drops to children.”
Sharif revealed that only one polio case had been reported in January this year. Expressing concern, he said, “I wish not a single case had emerged this year.”
He assured that the government, in collaboration with global organisations and partners, would strive for polio eradication. “We will eliminate polio with the assistance of Saudi Arabia, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other partners,” he asserted.
Highlighting the significance of eradication efforts, Sharif stated, “By eliminating polio, we will secure the future of our children.” He disclosed that approximately 77 polio cases had been reported last year.
The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan had been coordinating with Afghanistan to combat polio. He emphasised that only through joint efforts could the disease be eradicated.
