Urgent Anti-Polio Campaign Launched as Cases Surge in Pakistan, Aiming to Vaccinate Millions

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the final anti-polio campaign of the year on Sunday, emphasizing the urgent need to combat the rising number of polio cases in Pakistan. The campaign, which is scheduled to start on Monday and run until December 22, aims to vaccinate over 44 million children across 143 districts in the country. During the launch ceremony in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz expressed deep concern over the increase in polio cases, which have surged to 63 this year, with the virus reported in 83 districts. Highlighting the challenges faced in the fight against polio, he stated, “We will win this war despite the difficulties faced in the past.” He personally administered polio drops to children, underscoring his commitment to the cause. The prime minister reached out to parents, urging them to participate actively in the campaign. “I would like to respectfully request the parents to help us in this campaign and by giving polio drops to their children to safeguard their future,” he said. He also acknowledged the support of international partners such as the Bill Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization, and the Government of Saudi Arabia in the ongoing efforts to eradicate the disease. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication, reiterated the importance of the campaign in her pre-recorded message. She emphasized the safety and efficacy of the polio vaccine, appealing to mothers to welcome polio workers into their homes. “As a mother, I appeal to you to open your doors to polio workers,” she stated, recognizing the critical role played by frontline workers who often operate in challenging conditions. This campaign marks the fourth nationwide initiative this year, following previous efforts aimed at vaccinating millions of children. The government has been working tirelessly to combat polio, a disease that predominantly affects children under five and can lead to lifelong paralysis. The current surge in polio cases poses a significant challenge, particularly as the virus has been detected in previously uninfected areas, such as Charsada in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With the poliovirus being more active during the warm months and less so in winter, health officials are keen to maximize immunization before the colder season sets in. Pakistan, alongside Afghanistan, remains one of the last two countries in the world where polio is still endemic. The commitment of the government, health workers, and international partners is crucial in the fight against this debilitating disease as they work towards a polio-free future for the nation.