PM Shehbaz Sharif pledges to end polio in Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched a nationwide anti-polio campaign on Sunday by giving polio drops to children under five. He emphasized his government’s commitment to eradicating polio from Pakistan.

Speaking at the launch, he raised concerns about the rise in polio cases, with 60 new infections reported this year. However, he expressed confidence that joint efforts by federal and provincial governments would tackle the problem.

Sharif thanked Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman for their support in fighting polio in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He also appreciated the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their continued assistance.

The campaign, led by Dr. Ayesha Raza Farooq and Dr. Bharat, involves over 400,000 workers who will cover 143 districts to ensure every child is vaccinated.

The prime minister urged parents to play their part in protecting their children from this disease, which remains a serious threat in the region. He also acknowledged the courage of polio workers and the security forces protecting them, promising the campaign will continue until polio is fully eliminated.

Dr. Ayesha Raza Farooq thanked PM Sharif for his dedication, saying his involvement demonstrates his commitment to the health and future of Pakistan’s children.