CM Maryam vows polio-free Punjab

Urges parents, communities to help protect children

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has declared frontline polio workers national heroes for their dedication and services.

In her message on World Polio Day, the chief minister reaffirmed her commitment to eradicating the disease from the province.

"Alhamdulillah, Punjab is polio-free," the CM said, urging parents and communities to extend full cooperation to the vaccination teams in the fight against the disease.

She said refusing polio vaccination amounted to denying children a better and safer future. The full cooperation of parents and every member of society was essential to achieving complete eradication of polio and building a healthy society, she said.

The chief minister said polio drops were completely safe, effective and vital for protecting children's lives and health. She urged parents to ensure that children under five received two drops of the polio vaccine during every vaccination campaign.

No polio case has been reported in Punjab so far this year, she said, adding that the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre and health department were actively working to ensure the eradication of the disease.

In an anti-polio campaign, more than 10 million children under the age of five had been administered polio drops in 13 high-risk districts, she said.

Regular anti-polio campaigns are being conducted in districts of Punjab.

Preparations have been completed for a Sub-National Polio Campaign scheduled from November 2 to 8 in selected districts of Punjab, alongside a nationwide campaign.

The chief minister said environmental samples were being continuously tested across the province to monitor and prevent the spread of the virus.

District Health Management Teams, representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF and the administration were monitoring the campaign, she added.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the anti-polio drive was making progress, but warned that without sustained efforts, the virus could return.

She called for continued public cooperation to protect children and ensure a healthy, polio-free future for the province.