ISLAMABAD — Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal visited the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication to review recent vaccination efforts, reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating polio, and direct measures to address operational challenges and misinformation surrounding the vaccine.
During the review meeting, the minister received a briefing from National Coordinator Anwar ul Haq on the latest campaign, which vaccinated 19.8 million children across 81 high-risk districts. The minister was also informed that the polio campaign in South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is under way and is targeting more than 1.685 million children.
Kamal stressed that eradicating polio remains a top national priority and said the government is deploying all available resources strategically to reach that goal. He urged the public to ignore misinformation about the vaccine, reaffirming its safety and noting its role in eliminating polio in other countries.
To tackle pockets of refusal, the minister directed deployment of local personnel in areas with persistent resistance, noting that concentrated households that refuse vaccination can be more effectively reached through targeted approaches. He also called for strengthened strategic communications so campaign messages reach households before vaccination teams arrive, improving acceptance and coverage.
Paying tribute to frontline workers, Kamal acknowledged the hundreds of polio workers who have lost their lives while serving the national campaign and highlighted the exceptional dedication of health personnel involved in the effort.
The minister closed by reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting children’s health and achieving a polio-free Pakistan through coordinated and sustained action.
