PM launches anti-polio drive targeting 44m children

Kakar urges religious scholars, clerics to play their role in convincing parents

ISLAMABAD:

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Monday launched the five-day anti-polio vaccination drive targeting around 44 million children across the country.

The prime minister initiated the campaign by administering anti-polio vaccine oral drops and vitamin A to children, at the PM House. Interim Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan and senior officials were present.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Kakar stated that 350,000 polio workers will participate in the drive to administer anti-polio vaccines to 44 million children aged 0-5 years.

He termed polio workers as the nation’s heroes who brave challenges while making the anti-polio drive successful. He also mentioned the support of the international partners in helping Pakistan to eradicate polio.

Kakar urged the religious scholars and clerics to play their role in convincing the parents to get their children administered with anti-polio vaccine.

“It is our religious, moral, and social responsibility to save our future generations from this crippling disease,” he said. “We have to make Pakistan free from polio.”