Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has expressed serious concern over the continued presence of polio virus across Pakistan, emphasizing the critical need for parents to proactively vaccinate their children against this incurable disease. He noted that environmental samples across the country continue to test positive for polio virus, with 14 confirmed cases reported nationwide so far this year.
Speaking at a workshop on polio eradication, Minister Kamal underscored the alarming prevalence of the virus, highlighting that polio still surrounds communities nationwide. The persistent detection of polio virus in environmental samples underscores the gravity of the situation and the ongoing threat it poses to public health.
Minister Kamal stated that despite widespread awareness of polio’s devastating consequences, it remains startling that certain parents exhibit negligence when it comes to ensuring the protection of their children from the virus. He reminded participants that while treatments now exist for formidable diseases like cancer, polio remains an incurable disease, making prevention through vaccination not just important but essential.
Appealing directly to parents, Minister Kamal urged them to take immediate action and approach polio vaccination workers themselves, ensuring that every child is administered the prescribed polio vaccine. He emphasized that parental engagement is crucial to the success of the vaccination drives, as it directly influences children’s health and the overall goal of polio eradication.
Reiterating the government’s firm commitment toward eliminating polio, the Minister assured stakeholders that sustained and rigorous efforts are continuously underway. He pointed to international examples, notably Afghanistan, where the Taliban administration has allowed extensive door-to-door polio campaigns, serving as an illustration of coordinated efforts despite difficult circumstances.
Minister Kamal further cited Gaza as a significant example, where—even amid conflict and instability—Palestinian mothers are taking determined steps to vaccinate their children against polio. He urged communities in Pakistan to demonstrate similar resolve, noting such global examples illustrate that polio eradication is achievable through shared community awareness, determination, and ongoing dedication to vaccination efforts.
