Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment toward the complete eradication of polio, emphasizing intensified nationwide efforts in collaboration with international partners during a high-level Polio Task Force meeting chaired by him in Islamabad. He highlighted the critical role of frontline workers and provincial governments, praising Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other global stakeholders for their continuous support.
In the high-level meeting of the National Task Force on Polio Eradication chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, stakeholders assessed ongoing initiatives and renewed their pledge toward making Pakistan a polio-free nation. Dr. Christopher Elias, Chair of the Global Polio Oversight Board and President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation, headed the delegation comprising key international partners. The delegation included WHO Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy, UNICEF Regional Director Sanjay Wijesekera, KSRelief representative from Saudi Arabia Dr. Ziad Memish, and Rotary International’s Mike McGovern along with trustee Aziz Memon.
Addressing the participants, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of accelerated and concerted efforts, declaring, “Despite significant obstacles and challenges, our government—in full cooperation with international partners, provincial authorities, and local teams—is determined to achieve our goal swiftly. Every child in Pakistan deserves protection from the debilitating disease of polio.”
Prime Minister Sharif added, “We must dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to ensuring multiple vaccine doses reach each child in every corner of the country, thereby securing their future against polio.” He noted that frontline workers’ dedication, the government’s sustained commitment, and indispensable cooperation from global partners have already contributed significantly to meaningful progress in the fight against the disease.
Commending the ongoing support from provincial governments, Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir administrations, and law enforcement agencies, the Prime Minister stressed that the safety and well-being of polio workers remain the government’s utmost priority. “All stakeholders, including provincial authorities and agencies, must work together more swiftly in unity to achieve complete polio eradication in Pakistan,” he directed.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed specific gratitude toward Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, praising his unwavering assistance in anti-polio efforts. He also acknowledged the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s vital contribution to eliminating polio in Pakistan, along with various other international partners involved in the campaign.
During the session, participants received detailed briefings about the current status of the polio eradication programme in Pakistan. The meeting was informed about targeted approaches being developed to overcome area-specific challenges, particularly in districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These special strategies aim for the complete eradication of the poliovirus from affected communities.
Furthermore, it was highlighted during the briefing that the anti-polio campaign in Pakistan remains focused not just on reducing reported polio cases among children, but also on completely eliminating the environmental presence of the virus.
Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for National Health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chief Secretaries from all four provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Capital Territory, National Coordinator for Polio Eradication, and numerous senior officials attended this crucial meeting.
