ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, inaugurated Pakistan’s third National Polio Campaign of the year during a press conference held at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad. The Minister emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio and underscored the vital importance of vaccinating all children under five years of age.
The nationwide campaign, launched today, aims to immunize approximately 45.4 million children. In a historic move, this campaign is being conducted simultaneously in Pakistan and Afghanistan marking an unprecedented regional collaboration as both countries remain the last strongholds of wild poliovirus transmission in the world.
During the launch, Minister Kamal personally administered polio drops and vitamin A supplements to children, while lauding the efforts of frontline workers. “Our polio workers are the real heroes. Their dedication is the cornerstone of this campaign,” he stated, urging parents across Pakistan to cooperate fully by ensuring their children receive the vaccine.
With a heartfelt appeal, the Minister implored parents: “Vaccination is not optional it is essential. Polio has no cure. Unlike cancer, which has treatment options, polio can only be prevented through timely immunization.”
Presenting surveillance data, he revealed that poliovirus had been detected in environmental samples from 50 out of 89 districts across the country. “The virus is circulating silently, putting every child at risk,” he warned. “We must confront misinformation head-on and eliminate negative narratives that hinder immunization efforts.”
“Polio eradication is a top priority for the Government of Pakistan,” he affirmed. “If a child is left crippled by this preventable disease, the parents will answer to God. We must come together as a nation just as we have united in times of national crisis to defeat this enemy.”
Citing encouraging trends, Minister Kamal pointed to a significant drop in vaccine refusals in Karachi, crediting increased community engagement and awareness. He concluded with a call to action: “Let us join hands to protect every child in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Together, we can end polio once and for all.”
