Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating poliovirus during his recent visit to Quetta. Highlighting significant progress in Balochistan, he announced that no new polio cases have been reported in the province so far this year, marking a critical milestone in the ongoing battle against the disease.
During a high-level meeting at the Emergency Operations Center in Quetta, the Minister reviewed current polio eradication initiatives with provincial and national coordinators. They discussed the status of vaccination campaigns, community outreach efforts, and the importance of maintaining high immunization coverage to prevent resurgence.
Emphasizing the country’s collective responsibility, Minister Kamal underscored the government’s steadfast resolve, led by the Prime Minister, to eliminate polio nationwide. He urged the public to reject misinformation and actively participate in vaccination drives, emphasizing that every child under five must receive the oral polio vaccine. “We cannot afford complacency — the poliovirus still exists, and vigilance remains our strongest tool,” he stated.
The Minister praised frontline health workers, describing them as heroes in the fight against polio. He called on religious scholars, educators, community leaders, and citizens to support vaccination efforts, stressing that community engagement is vital for success. “Polio has no cure, unlike some other diseases. Hence, immunization is our best defense,” he added.
Addressing concerns about vaccine safety, Kamal reassured parents that the oral polio vaccine used in Pakistan is safe, effective, and endorsed globally. Citing examples from other countries, including Afghanistan under the Taliban, he highlighted the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns in preventing the disease everywhere it has been deployed.
He appealed to families to take ownership of the immunization process by welcoming vaccination teams into their homes and ensuring their children are protected. Concluding his remarks, the Minister called for a united national effort to eradicate polio completely, emphasizing that collective action and community participation are key to securing a polio-free future for Pakistan.
