Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged to deploy all available resources to eradicate polio in Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of vaccine availability in high-risk areas and the critical role of frontline workers in combating the disease.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during a meeting with the Anti-Polio National Team in Islamabad, Prime Minister Sharif directed efforts to ensure polio vaccinations are accessible in security-sensitive regions. He highlighted the substantial progress made against the polio virus, attributed to the dedication of frontline workers, government resolve, and partner cooperation. Despite these efforts, concerns were raised about Pakistan remaining one of the last two countries where polio is still endemic.

This year, nine polio cases have been reported nationwide. Plans for a comprehensive polio vaccination campaign were discussed, scheduled for September, October, and December. Additionally, a strategic outline covering the next two, four, and six months was presented, focusing on the complete eradication of the poliovirus. The meeting also reviewed the implementation of a digital tracking system to monitor and ensure vaccination of children who previously missed out on polio doses.