Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to completely eradicate the polio virus from Pakistan and ensure it never returns. Speaking at an event in Islamabad on World Polio Day, he emphasized the importance of collective efforts in combating this public health threat.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to health workers who risk their lives in the line of duty, calling them the heroes of Pakistan, and acknowledged that the nation will always remember their contributions. He also expressed gratitude to international partners for their support in the fight against polio, specifically thanking Saudi Arabia for its significant financial contributions. PM Sharif praised Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for providing several hundred million dollars to help eradicate the polio virus worldwide.
During the event, PM Shehbaz Sharif launched a nationwide anti-polio campaign set to begin on the 28th of this month. He personally administered anti-polio drops to children under the age of five.
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Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, the Coordinator on Health, stated that efforts are ongoing to achieve the goal of polio eradication and that this day is dedicated to recognizing the valuable services of health workers in the fight against the virus. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Focus Person on Polio Eradication, announced that the upcoming nationwide campaign aims to vaccinate 45 million children, with 400,000 health workers visiting homes to administer the anti-polio vaccine.
