Govt vows to eradicate polio by end of 2025

Islamabad: Pakistan has committed to eradicating polio by the end of this year, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal said during a meeting with Dr Chris Ellis, President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation on Sunday.

According to a media report, Mustafa Kamal attributed the recent progress to successful immunization campaigns and improved community outreach. He appreciated the significant reduction in parental refusal to get vaccinated and reiterated his resolve that the struggle will continue until polio is completely eradicated.

He said that the fight against polio requires immense sacrifices from all stakeholders, including law enforcement officials who have rendered invaluable services, and this mission will continue until we achieve complete polio eradication.

The Federal Minister appreciated the continued support of the Gates Foundation and stressed that the federal and provincial governments, along with law enforcement agencies, should remain united in their goal of eradicating the virus.

Mustafa Kamal also highlighted the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying that he regularly convenes high-level meetings to review the performance of the polio eradication program and ensure full cooperation and provision of resources.

The federal minister stated that successful anti-polio campaigns were conducted across the country in February and April, while the next campaign is scheduled to begin on May 26 and aims to vaccinate more than 45.4 million children under the age of five.

Dr Chris Ellis appreciated the government’s efforts and reiterated the Gates Foundation’s commitment to a polio-free Pakistan.

He said, “We are encouraged by Pakistan’s progress and hope that the target of eradication will be achieved by 2025”.