PM Shehbaz Sharif launches nationwide anti-polio campaign for 2025

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday kicked off Pakistan’s nationwide anti-polio campaign for 2025, aimed at vaccinating millions of children under the age of five. The campaign, which runs from February 3 to February 9, saw the Prime Minister personally administering polio drops to children, marking the official launch of the initiative.

In his address at the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio from Pakistan. He stressed that the national vaccination drive would target children across the country to ensure a healthier future for the next generation.

“The government is dedicated to eliminating this crippling disease,” said the Prime Minister. “We are confident that our teams, working around the clock, will reach even the most remote areas to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.”

The Prime Minister also reflected on the challenges faced in the previous year, noting that 77 polio cases were reported in 2024, marking a significant setback in the battle against the disease. However, he emphasized the progress made this year, with only one case reported, and reaffirmed the goal to completely eradicate polio from Pakistan.

“Eradicating polio remains a priority for us, and we will continue to work tirelessly with the support of our international partners to eliminate the disease,” he added.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to eliminate polio not only in Pakistan but also in neighbouring Afghanistan, hoping that international collaboration would help wipe out the disease in the region.

The prime minister extended his appreciation to global partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their steadfast support in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.

Dr. Mukhtar Bharat, PM’s Coordinator on National Health Services, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the positive impact of the campaign. He acknowledged the transparency shown by the government in reporting the number of polio cases and commended the collective efforts of all involved in combating the disease.

Aysha Raza Farooq, PM’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, called on all sectors of society to join hands in the public health campaign. She urged parents to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine, emphasizing that vaccination is crucial to protecting children from lifelong disability.