ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating polio in Pakistan during a high-level meeting dedicated to the nation’s polio elimination efforts.
He stressed the importance of coordinated action, stating, “We will not rest until we have permanently defeated polio.”
In the meeting, the Prime Minister commended the polio team for their tireless efforts against the disease.
He instructed Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, the Coordinator for National Health, Polio Focal Person Ayesha Raza Farooq, and the Secretary of National Health to visit the most affected areas identified in the recent polio campaign.
Moreover, PM Shehbaz ordered a third-party audit of the anti-polio campaign to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the existing immunity gap within the population.
The meeting included a briefing on recent polio cases and the status of the eradication campaign. As of now, Pakistan has 41 active polio cases, with 25 linked to individuals who have not received adequate routine immunization.
The briefing also highlighted that polio transmission rates are significantly lower in areas with higher vaccination coverage, underscoring the urgent need for continued vaccination efforts.
Data from the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme reveals that in 2024, Pakistan has recorded 41 polio cases, marking a concerning rise in infections, particularly in Balochistan and Sindh.
Currently, Balochistan has reported 21 cases, Sindh has 12, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has six, and both Punjab and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) have one case each.
Despite ongoing vaccination efforts, health officials are alarmed by the virus’s persistent spread. In contrast, Pakistan reported only six polio cases in 2023—four in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and two in Sindh—and just one case in 2021.