Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, has called for urgent action as preparations intensify for an upcoming nationwide polio immunization campaign targeting over 28 million children under the age of five. The initiative aims to protect children from the virus and move closer to eradicating polio across Pakistan.
During a recent briefing with the National Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator for Polio Eradication, the Health Minister reviewed the current situation and detailed plans for the campaign, which will begin in 99 selected districts at the start of September and later in South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in mid-September. The campaign is structured to reach children in both high-risk and harder-to-access regions.
Minister Kamal reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating polio, emphasizing the Prime Minister’s support and ensuring effective strategies are implemented in vulnerable areas. He stated that he would personally monitor the campaign to achieve comprehensive immunization coverage and maximize its impact.
Highlighting the continuing presence of the polio virus in the environment, Kamal stressed the critical role of vaccination, reminding parents that unlike many other diseases, polio has no cure, and immunization is the only effective protection. He appealed to parents to ensure their children receive polio drops, securing their health and future stability.
The Health Minister also warned against misinformation campaigns that discourage vaccination, underscoring that such false beliefs could endanger children and risk permanent disability. He urged communities to cooperate fully, emphasizing that collective action is necessary to defeat polio once and for all.
