Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has inaugurated the year’s last anti-polio campaign in a determined effort to eradicate the disease in Pakistan. The campaign, which begins on December 16, will target over 44 million children across 143 districts, focusing on curbing the alarming rise in polio cases nationwide.
Polio Eradication: A Pressing Challenge
Pakistan remains one of the last two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio is endemic. This year has seen a troubling increase in cases, with the total reaching 63. The virus has spread to 83 districts, including previously unaffected areas like Charsadda in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Most cases affect children under five, often resulting in lifelong paralysis.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed his resolve to fight polio despite the obstacles. “We will win this war against polio,” he said, acknowledging the rise in cases as a significant challenge. The prime minister also personally administered polio drops to children at the event.
A Call for Collective Action
PM Shehbaz urged parents to play their part in safeguarding their children’s futures. “I respectfully request all parents to cooperate in this campaign by ensuring their children receive polio drops,” he stated. He also extended gratitude to international partners like the Bill Gates Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO), and the Saudi Arabian government for their continued support in the fight against polio.
Campaign Details and Frontline Heroes
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has announced that the campaign will run from December 16 to December 22. More than 44 million children under five will be vaccinated during this period. The effort involves thousands of frontline polio workers, who will visit homes, even in challenging conditions, to ensure maximum coverage.
Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, emphasized the safety and effectiveness of the polio vaccine in a pre-recorded message. “As a mother, I appeal to you to open your doors to polio workers,” she said. Farooq also highlighted the importance of completing vaccination courses to protect children from polio and other deadly diseases.
She praised the dedication of frontline workers, calling them “the real heroes in the ongoing struggle against polio.” These workers face significant challenges, including harsh weather and remote locations, to reach every child in need of immunization.
Read: Polio Cases Surge in Pakistan, Urging Emergency Action
Regional Impact and Seasonal Trends
Of the 63 cases reported this year, Balochistan accounts for 26, followed by 18 in KP, 17 in Sindh, and one each in Punjab and Islamabad. The virus thrives during warmer months, with its peak transmission period falling between May and September. The current cold season provides an opportunity to reduce its spread through intensified immunization efforts.
Previous Campaigns and Future Hopes
This marks the fourth nationwide polio drive of 2024, following a similar campaign in October, which aimed to vaccinate 45.4 million children. Numerous district-specific campaigns have also been conducted throughout the year to address localized outbreaks.
As Pakistan battles the lingering threat of polio, the government’s commitment, combined with international support and public cooperation, brings hope for a polio-free future.
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