- Teams of health department are going door to door.
- Campaign will run from October 28 to November 3.
- PM underscores urgency of battle against wild poliovirus.
ISLAMABAD: The government on Monday launched a week-long nationwide polio vaccination campaign, aiming to administer the anti-polio vaccine drops to more than 45 million children.
Reinforcing Pakistan’s dedication to eradicating polio, the Pakistan Polio Programme launched the vaccination campaign to address the resurgence of wild poliovirus and protect millions of children up to five years’ age from the debilitating effects of polio.
Special teams of health department are going door to door to ensure that every child receives vaccine drops.
With unwavering commitment to eradicate polio, the health officials called upon all parents and caregivers nationwide to play an active role in this campaign and ensure every child receives the polio vaccine. Additionally, Vitamin A supplements will also be provided to enhance immunity. The campaign will run from October 28 to November 3.
This is Pakistan’s third nationwide campaign this year, launched in response to the alarming increase in polio cases, with 41 cases reported so far in 2024 and across 71 districts.
Earlier, speaking at the inaugural ceremony at the Prime Minister’s House in connection with the World Polio Day observance, PM Shehbaz Sharif underscored the urgency of Pakistan’s battle against the recent resurgence of wild poliovirus and the importance of the campaign to prevent the disease from spreading further.
“Polio has re-emerged in Pakistan, reminding us of our collective responsibility to overcome this threat. Together, we must fight this battle with unity and determination until we secure a polio-free Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz said, as he personally administered polio drops to children at the ceremony.
Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment, saying, “under the Prime Minister’s guidance, we are re-energized in our efforts to combat polio.”
“Starting October 28, our polio workers will reach every corner of Pakistan, delivering the vaccine and securing a healthier future for our children.”
Encouraging parents to prioritise vaccinations, she said with the virus now present in 71 districts, the risk to every child was real.
In a message, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication Muhammad Anwar-ul-Haq urged parents to fully cooperate with polio workers.
“Polio has no cure, but it can be prevented with this readily available vaccine. With the threat at an all-time high, we must act as one nation to keep our children safe through vaccination,” he said.
Throughout the campaign, the Sehat Tahhafuz Helpline 1166 and the 24/7 WhatsApp Helpline at 0346-7776546 will be available to assist parents with information and to report any children missed during the vaccination drive.