Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need to accelerate polio eradication efforts, positioning it as a national priority essential to safeguarding children’s health and the country’s global image.

During a high-level briefing, the Prime Minister reviewed the current status of the Polio Eradication Initiative, identifying both progress made and persisting challenges. He emphasized mobilizing all provinces, district administrations, health departments, and polio teams to intensify vaccination efforts, particularly in high-risk communities.

Key directives included:

  • Rolling out door-to-door vaccination in all high-risk areas, supported by mobile teams and increased community outreach.
  • Engaging religion scholars, local influencers, and community leaders to promote vaccine acceptance and counter misinformation.
  • Ensuring logistical and security support for vaccination teams, especially in remote or underserved regions.
  • Strengthening monitoring and data tracking systems to reduce missed vaccinations and ensure full coverage.
  • Collaborating with international partners under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to sustain funding, technical guidance, and accountability.

PM Shehbaz highlighted polio eradication as a defining public health mission that requires unwavering commitment. He underscored that eliminating polio is critical to ensuring a healthier, more secure future for Pakistan’s children.