Federal Minister for Health, Mustafa Kamal, on Tuesday reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio and securing a polio-free Pakistan in the near future.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on polio eradication efforts, the minister was joined by key stakeholders including the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Special Secretary Health, Additional Secretary Health, the National Polio Coordinator, and representatives from WHO, UNICEF, and provincial health departments.
A detailed review of the recent nationwide polio vaccination campaign was presented during the meeting. It was reported that more than 45 million children were successfully administered polio drops, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to eliminate the disease.
National and provincial coordinators shared updates on the progress of the campaign, while also outlining challenges that need to be addressed.
Minister Kamal emphasized that protecting children from polio is a shared national duty, requiring urgent, consistent, and united action. He encouraged parents to actively support polio workers and ensure their children are immunized, stressing that safeguarding children’s health is a moral and religious responsibility.
He underscored the gravity of the disease, noting, “Cancer may be treatable, but polio has no cure. Prevention through vaccination is our only defense.”
Calling for a strategic policy shift to improve campaign outcomes, the minister stressed the importance of social cohesion and nationwide participation. He also drew attention to the fact that only two countries in the world—Pakistan and Afghanistan—still report polio cases. He acknowledged the Afghan government’s robust support in its own campaigns and expressed optimism that both countries will achieve polio-free status together.
“This is not just a health mission—it’s a national obligation,” Kamal concluded.
