Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched the year’s last polio eradication drive in Islamabad.
Addressing the launching ceremony, the premier said the government was fully committed to eradicating the poliovirus from the country with the help of provincial governments and international partners.
“We will overcome all hurdles and defeat this menace [polio virus],” the premier said. He expressed grave concern that despite all efforts, polio cases were on the rise as 59 cases have come forward in recent days, which is a great challenge and matter of great concern,” PM Shehbaz said.
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The prime minister urged the parents to ensure vaccination of their children to protect them from polio.
Speaking at the event, PM’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, stated that approximately 400,000 polio workers would visit households in 143 districts nationwide to administer polio drops to children under five.
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She urged parents to open their doors and extend full cooperation to the polio teams during the campaign.
Dr Mukhtar Bharath, Coordinator for Health, shared that the campaign aims to reach around 44 million children across Pakistan in this final polio eradication drive of the year.
