Islamabad, Pakistan— Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the need for Pakistan and Afghanistan to work together to fight polio at the start of the 2025 National Polio Eradication Campaign. The event in Islamabad started a new effort to protect millions of children from a serious sickness.
At the event, PM Sharif emphasized the importance of working together across borders to eliminate polio in both countries. He said, “Pakistan and Afghanistan can work together to completely eliminate polio.” The prime minister thanked global partners, like the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, for their constant help in combating polio.
Pakistan has done a great job in lowering polio cases. In January 2024, there was just one case recorded, down from 77 cases the year before. The Prime Minister emphasized that the fight isn’t finished yet. “We are dedicated to making sure all children in Pakistan are safe from this disease.” “Today, we are starting the 2025 campaign with new energy,” he said.
More than 400,000 polio workers will take part in the program to give shots to children all over the country. Aisha Raza Farooq, who is in charge of polio eradication for the prime minister, confirmed that the government is dedicated to ending polio. “With PM Shehbaz Sharif in charge, we are working hard to get rid of polio.” “Our plan is thorough and coordinated across the country,” she said.
Polio is still a serious health problem in the region, especially in places where healthcare is hard to reach. Pakistan and Afghanistan need to work together because the virus can spread anywhere, regardless of borders. Both countries are working together to align their vaccine efforts and share resources to stop the disease from spreading across borders.
The 2025 program is part of a worldwide attempt to eliminate polio, which has made great strides in recent years. With help from foreign organizations and local groups, Pakistan hopes to become a polio-free country.
The success of this program will rely on the teamwork of governments, healthcare workers, and communities as the world looks on. PM Shehbaz Sharif’s call for unity highlights that fighting polio is not only a national concern but also a duty we all share.