Islamabad: The Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme hosted a media engagement session at the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication (NEOC) in Islamabad to bolster media collaboration in the continued effort to eliminate polio. The session aimed to equip journalists from diverse media platforms with the latest data and strategies for the upcoming nationwide vaccination campaign starting October 28, 2024.

According to Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, led the session, offering critical updates on the polio eradication efforts and addressing challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and security issues in high-risk areas. Mr. Anwarul Haq, NEOC Coordinator, discussed the strategic 2-4-6 roadmap aimed at halting virus transmission by mid-2025 and the immediate plans for further vaccination campaigns before the year’s end.

The session underscored the vital role of the media in promoting public awareness and vaccine acceptance. Ms. Raza emphasized the media’s historical support for polio eradication and the current need for heightened media involvement to combat misinformation and support upcoming vaccination efforts, describing the media as crucial allies in the push to eradicate polio and safeguard children’s health across Pakistan.