PM launches nationwide anti-polio drive

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched the year's first nationwide anti-polio campaign, running from February 3 to 9, by administering polio drops to children under five and reaffirming his commitment to eliminating the disease from Pakistan.

Speaking at the campaign's launch, the premier underscored his determination to rid the country of polio.

According to The Associated Press of Pakistan, he said, "The national polio vaccination drive would target millions of children to save their future and health".

The prime minister lauded the dedication of vaccination teams, expressing confidence that they would work "day and night to eradicate the disease, and would reach the far-flung areas and villages".

He said that the teams would shoulder their responsibility with "complete energy and commitment".

Commenting on last year's figures, PM Shehbaz lamented that 77 polio cases had been reported in the country, calling it a major challenge and setback in the fight against the disease.

Referring to the first polio case of the year, detected last month, the premier reiterated his unwavering resolve to stamp out polio through dedicated teamwork and international cooperation.

He also expressed optimism that with continued global efforts, Afghanistan – Pakistan's polio-endemic neighbour – would also overcome the disease.

Shehbaz acknowledged the contributions of international partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, praising their commitment to Pakistan's polio eradication efforts.

Polio, a highly infectious disease that leads to paralysis, has no cure. The only defence against it is multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completing routine immunisation for all children under five to ensure high immunity.

Pakistan remains one of the last two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio is still endemic. Despite global efforts to wipe out the virus, challenges such as security threats, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation continue to hinder progress.

Last year, Pakistan reported over 70 polio cases, with traces of the virus detected in nearly 90 districts. The first polio case of 2024 was reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district.

Meanwhile, the premier visited the residence of National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in Lahore on Sunday.

He held a meeting with the speaker, which was also attended by NA Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah and Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) Khursheed Shah and Shazia Marri.

The prime minister extended heartfelt congratulations to Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah on the wedding of his son, offering his best wishes and blessings for the newlyweds.

Other prominent members of the National Assembly were also present at the occasion.