Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to eradicating polio from Pakistan and preventing its return.

Speaking at an event in Islamabad to mark World Polio Day, he stressed the importance of joint efforts to combat the virus.

The Prime Minister praised health workers for their dedication and bravery, calling them the true heroes of Pakistan whose contributions will not be forgotten.

He also acknowledged the support from international partners in the fight against polio, highlighting a substantial financial contribution from Saudi Arabia.

PM Sharif expressed gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for donating several hundred million dollars towards global polio eradication.

At the event, PM Shehbaz Sharif launched a nationwide anti-polio campaign starting on the 28th of this month, administering polio drops to children under five years of age.

Coordinator on Health Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath reiterated the ongoing efforts to achieve polio eradication, while Focus Person on Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq announced that 45 million children would be vaccinated during the upcoming campaign, with 400,000 health workers conducting door-to-door vaccination.