Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched an anti-polao campaign on a national scale on Sunday, the administration of the polio of children under the age of five in the context of efforts to eradicate the disease.
Speaking during the launching ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eliminate Pakistan polio.
“The National Polio Vaccination Drive will target millions of children to protect their future and their health,” he said, expressing his confidence in the dedication of health teams.
The Prime Minister recognized the challenge of last year, when 77 cases of polio were reported in the country, calling this a “huge setback”. However, he noted that one case had been recorded so far in 2025, reaffirming his determination to eliminate the virus with the support of international partners.
He stressed that polio workers would reach distant areas and villages, guaranteeing national coverage.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also expressed the hope that coordinated efforts with global health organizations would help fight polio in Afghanistan, the neighboring country of Pakistan.
The Prime Minister thanked the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Saudi Arabia for their continuous support in Pakistan’s struggle against polio.
Dr. Mukhtar Bharat, coordinator of the PM on national health services, said that the authorities had been transparent on polio cases reported last year. “We have not hidden it to the international community,” he said, adding that targeted efforts had considerably reduced cases.
AYSHA RAZA FAROOQ, the focal point of PM on the eradication of polio, urged the public to support the campaign. “Polio vaccination is a national effort, and all the segments of society must participate. Parents must cooperate to protect their children,” she said.
Anti-political driving, from February 3 to 9, aims to reach millions of children across Pakistan.
