Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate polio, a disease that continues to pose a significant public health challenge in the country. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of the Rotary International Foundation, the Prime Minister emphasized that the government’s ultimate goal is to secure the future of children by eliminating polio once and for all.
The meeting highlighted both the national efforts being carried out by health workers and institutions, and the international support being provided by organizations like Rotary International. The delegation praised Pakistan’s anti-polio measures while assuring continued financial and technical support in the years ahead.
Polio in Pakistan: A Persistent Health Challenge
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under the age of five. It can cause irreversible paralysis and, in severe cases, even death. While the global fight against polio has seen remarkable progress in recent decades, Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world (alongside Afghanistan) where polio continues to exist as an endemic disease.
Despite decades of vaccination campaigns, Pakistan has faced recurring challenges due to:
- Misinformation and myths about polio vaccines.
- Security concerns for polio workers in certain regions.
- Geographical barriers in reaching remote and rural populations.
- Migration and displacement caused by natural disasters or conflict.
These challenges have slowed down eradication efforts, but Pakistan has consistently reaffirmed its determination to overcome them.
Prime Minister’s Statement: Securing the Future of Children
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed the moral responsibility of the state to protect children from preventable diseases. He stated:
“The key role of polio workers in vaccination campaigns is commendable. We are committed to completely eradicating polio from the country. There are difficulties in achieving this goal, but this is not impossible. Pakistan will secure the future of its children by eradicating polio once and for all.”
This statement reflects the government’s long-term vision: protecting future generations from the devastating impact of polio and ensuring that Pakistan joins the ranks of polio-free nations.
Rotary International Foundation: A Global Partner in Eradication
The Rotary International Foundation, part of the broader Rotary movement, has been one of the leading organizations supporting global polio eradication efforts. For more than three decades, Rotary has been a key partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
In Pakistan, Rotary has played a pivotal role by:
- Funding vaccination drives.
- Providing resources for training and supporting health workers.
- Raising awareness about the importance of immunization.
- Strengthening surveillance systems to detect polio outbreaks.
The delegation informed the Prime Minister that Rotary International had spent $500 million in Pakistan in 2024 alone on polio eradication initiatives. They further pledged to invest a significant amount in the upcoming year as well, reinforcing their long-term commitment.
Commendation of Polio Workers
A central point in the Prime Minister’s remarks was the recognition of polio workers, often described as unsung heroes of public health. These workers—many of them women—go door-to-door in remote villages, urban slums, and conflict-affected areas, ensuring that every child receives the vaccine.
Despite facing harsh weather, logistical difficulties, and even targeted violence, polio workers continue to serve on the frontlines of Pakistan’s vaccination campaigns. Their resilience and dedication are frequently acknowledged both nationally and internationally.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the courage and commitment of these health workers are central to Pakistan’s progress toward eradication.
Difficulties in Eradicating Polio
While progress has been made, the Prime Minister admitted that the journey to eradication is not without hurdles. Some of the key obstacles include:
- Security Threats: Polio workers have at times been targeted by militants who oppose vaccination campaigns. Ensuring their safety remains a top priority.
- Vaccine Hesitancy: Myths and misinformation, such as false claims about infertility, have discouraged some parents from allowing their children to be vaccinated.
- Geographical Challenges: Mountainous terrain, flood-affected areas, and nomadic communities make universal coverage difficult.
- Cross-Border Transmission: Movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, both endemic countries, has led to cross-border virus transmission.
However, the Prime Minister emphasized that these challenges are not insurmountable. With stronger government resolve, international partnerships, and public awareness campaigns, Pakistan can achieve its target.
Government’s Comprehensive Strategy
The Pakistani government has designed a multi-layered strategy to eradicate polio. Key components include:
- National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP): A roadmap for coordinated vaccination drives, surveillance, and outbreak response.
- Integration with Primary Healthcare: Linking polio eradication with broader healthcare initiatives such as routine immunizations and maternal health.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Deploying security forces to protect vaccination teams in high-risk areas.
- Awareness Campaigns: Using religious leaders, local influencers, and media to counter misinformation and encourage vaccinations.
- Cross-Border Cooperation: Strengthening coordination with Afghanistan for synchronized vaccination drives in border regions.
Praise from Rotary International Delegation
The Rotary delegation praised the government’s anti-polio measures, specifically highlighting:
- The Prime Minister’s personal involvement and leadership in anti-polio efforts.
- The government’s effective selection of the polio eradication team, which has shown strong results in the field.
- The improved vaccination coverage in high-risk districts, which has helped reduce polio cases compared to previous years.
The delegation expressed confidence that with continued focus, Pakistan could be polio-free in the near future.
Polio Eradication as a National and Global Responsibility
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed that polio eradication is not just a health issue, but also a national responsibility. He linked the fight against polio with Pakistan’s future prosperity, stating that a healthy generation is vital for economic development, education, and social progress.
At the same time, the eradication of polio in Pakistan is also a global responsibility, as failure to eliminate the virus in one country poses risks for the entire world. A single polio case can reintroduce the virus into polio-free countries if vaccination coverage weakens.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
Following the Prime Minister’s remarks, the news sparked discussion on social media platforms. Citizens praised the dedication of polio workers and welcomed the government’s renewed focus. Health experts, however, called for greater community engagement and urged parents to cooperate fully with vaccination campaigns.
Hashtags like #EndPolioNow, #PolioFreePakistan, and #SecureOurChildren trended online, reflecting the public’s growing awareness of the importance of polio eradication.
Looking Ahead: The Road to a Polio-Free Pakistan
Pakistan’s fight against polio is entering a decisive phase. With a combination of political will, community cooperation, international support, and health worker dedication, the country is closer than ever to eliminating the virus.
The Prime Minister’s clear message has set the tone: securing the future of Pakistan’s children requires the complete eradication of polio. If sustained efforts continue, Pakistan could soon join the long list of countries that have successfully defeated this deadly disease.
Conclusion
The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Rotary International Foundation delegation highlighted the urgency and importance of Pakistan’s anti-polio campaign. By pledging to secure the future of children, the Prime Minister underscored the government’s determination to overcome challenges and eradicate polio once and for all.
With Rotary International’s financial support, the resilience of polio workers, and community cooperation, there is renewed hope that Pakistan will achieve a milestone that has eluded it for decades. The eradication of polio will not only secure the health of Pakistani children but will also serve as a global victory in public health.
