PM Shehbaz Pledges Firm Resolve to Achieve Polio-Free Pakistan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio nationwide, underlining a renewed strategy that combines vaccine accessibility, strengthened surveillance, and community engagement. His declaration follows a recent surge in polio cases, with the government determined to stem transmission through targeted interventions.

Renewed National Vaccination Strategy

• Accelerated Polio Campaigns:
  The government plans to intensify door-to-door Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) drives, prioritizing high-risk zones and hard-to-reach areas to close immunity gaps.
• Border Area Coverage:
  A key focus is strengthening immunization services in border districts with Afghanistan to reduce the risk of cross-border polio importation.
• Expanded Mobile Clinics:
  Mobile vaccination teams are being deployed to ensure immunization reach among nomadic populations and remote settlements.

Community Mobilization & Awareness

• Local Engagement:
  Government-led campaigns will involve community leaders, religious scholars, and local influencers to encourage vaccine uptake and dispel misinformation.
• Parental Outreach Programs:
  Educational efforts aim to inform parents about vaccination schedules, polio symptoms, and why complete immunization is vital.
• School and Media Campaigns:
  Schools will integrate polio awareness efforts, complemented by national radio, TV spots, and social media communication targeting urban and rural audiences.

Strengthened Surveillance & Response Measures

• Environmental Sampling:
  Sewage testing will be expanded in high-risk areas to quickly detect poliovirus presence and guide real-time response.
• Rapid Case Investigation:
  Surveillance teams are set to investigate every suspected case within 24 hours, supplemented by genetic sequencing for tracking transmission patterns.
• Targeted Immunization in Outbreaks:
  Any vaccine-derived or wild polio detection will prompt immediate mop-up vaccination campaigns in affected zones.

Call for National Unity and International Support

• Federal-Provincial Coordination:
  The Prime Minister emphasized joint action by provincial governments to standardize vaccination across regions and eliminate coordination gaps.
• Global Partnerships:
  Pakistan seeks technical and financial support from WHO, UNICEF, GPEI, and international donors to augment vaccine supply and surveillance infrastructure.
• Diplomatic Outreach:
  Collaboration with neighbouring countries, especially Afghanistan, is encouraged to synchronize efforts and limit cross-border spread.

Monitoring Progress and Achieving Goals

Final Take

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment signals a decisive push toward eliminating polio from Pakistan once and for all. By combining intensified vaccination, community partnership, and vigilant surveillance, the government is undertaking a comprehensive strategy to protect all children and fulfill the promise of a polio-free future.