Islamabad: In a significant effort to combat polio, Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal inaugurated the third National Polio Campaign of 2025 at the National Emergency Operations Centre. The Minister called for national unity in vaccinating children, underscoring the government’s dedication to eradicating polio.

The campaign, which started today, aims to reach approximately 45.4 million children under five. For the first time, Pakistan and Afghanistan are conducting simultaneous efforts, as the disease has been eliminated elsewhere.

Minister Kamal administered polio drops and vitamin A supplements to children, acknowledging the crucial role of frontline workers. He appealed to parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine, emphasizing its importance for children’s health and future.

The Minister presented data showing poliovirus presence in 50 of Pakistan’s 89 districts, urging communities to combat misinformation about immunization. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to polio eradication, likening the fight to a national duty.

Highlighting progress, he noted reduced resistance to vaccination in Karachi. He encouraged citizens to support this public health mission, aiming for a disease-free future for children in the region.