PM Shehbaz Sharif Launches Year’s Final Polio Eradication Campaign
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December 15, 2024
PM Shehbaz Sharif Launches Year’s Final Polio Eradication Campaign
Islamabad, December 16: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the final national polio vaccination drive for the year 2024 in a ceremony held in Islamabad today. The initiative underscores Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the crippling disease as the country aims to strengthen its position in the global fight against polio.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s resolve to protect every child from the poliovirus. “This is not just a health issue but a matter of national pride. We will leave no stone unturned to make Pakistan polio-free,” he stated. He also lauded the efforts of healthcare workers and volunteers, who are often at the forefront of these campaigns, working tirelessly in challenging conditions.
Scope of the Campaign
The current drive targets over 43 million children under the age of five across the country. More than 350,000 vaccinators and healthcare workers have been mobilized to ensure the campaign’s success. The drive will cover both urban and remote areas, including regions that have previously been hard to access due to security challenges or geographic isolation.
The campaign will also include measures to counter misinformation surrounding the polio vaccine, which has hindered efforts in certain regions. Religious scholars, community leaders, and social influencers have been roped in to encourage parents to vaccinate their children and dispel myths related to the vaccine.
Polio in Pakistan: A Persistent Challenge
Despite significant progress, Pakistan remains one of the two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio remains endemic. According to the Ministry of Health, eight new polio cases were reported in Pakistan this year, all of which were from districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these cases are a stark reminder of the need to sustain momentum in polio eradication efforts. He said, “Even one case is too many. We cannot afford complacency.”
Pakistan’s polio eradication program has faced multiple challenges over the years, including vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and threats to the safety of health workers. However, the government, with support from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, has managed to significantly reduce the number of cases over the past decade.
Support from International Partners
The inauguration ceremony also saw participation from representatives of international organizations, including WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. They commended Pakistan’s sustained efforts in combating polio and pledged continued support.
Dr. Palitha Mahipala, WHO’s representative in Pakistan, stated, “The government’s commitment and the resilience of the polio eradication teams are commendable. With this level of dedication, Pakistan is closer than ever to achieving its goal.”
Call to Action
The Prime Minister called on parents and guardians across the country to cooperate fully with vaccination teams. “The health and future of our children depend on your support. Let’s make sure no child is left behind,” he urged.
Public service announcements and awareness campaigns have been launched nationwide to complement the polio drive. These initiatives aim to educate parents about the importance of the vaccine and address any concerns they might have.
A Race Against Time
As the year comes to a close, this drive is a crucial step in Pakistan’s fight to eliminate polio once and for all. The government and healthcare workers are racing against time to vaccinate as many children as possible before the onset of winter, which often complicates vaccination efforts in certain regions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership in launching this campaign serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect future generations from preventable diseases. With a united effort, Pakistan is inching closer to its goal of becoming a polio-free nation.
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