Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating polio from the country, announcing the launch of a fresh seven-day national campaign aimed at vaccinating millions of children under the age of five.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony here, the prime minister said that the government, along with health authorities, was making relentless efforts to eliminate the virus once and for all. On the occasion, he administered polio drops to children to formally kick off the campaign.
"Today marks the beginning of another nationwide polio campaign. With Allah's grace, we are vaccinating children not only here, but across the country including G-B and Azad Kashmir," the prime minister told the ceremony. The campaign will run until April 27.
Shehbaz praised the efforts of Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Secretary Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, the Coordinator of the campaign, and frontline health workers for their dedication. "I urge all parents to fully cooperate with field teams to ensure every child is vaccinated," he said.
Acknowledging the challenges in some security-sensitive areas, he said that robust measures had been taken to ensure the safety of teams and smooth implementation of the drive. "We must mobilise communities in every neighbourhood and street to support this national cause," he emphasised.
The PM extended heartfelt thanks to international partners such as the WHO, philanthropist Bill Gates, and other stakeholders for their continued support. "With your cooperation we will achieve permanent relief from this disease," he said. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)
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