Urgent Call to Action: Eradicating Poliovirus from Pakistan

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio, Ayesha Raza Farooq, has issued a pressing appeal to every segment of Pakistani society to join forces in eliminating the poliovirus from the country. The anti-polio campaign has begun in 49 selected districts, targeting over 9.5 million children under five years of age for vaccination. Farooq emphasized the importance of community cooperation, urging parents to allow polio teams to administer vaccine drops to their children. She also highlighted the government's commitment to providing security and support to polio workers, who are working tirelessly in challenging heatwave conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The anti-polio campaign is currently underway in 49 selected districts of Pakistan, including 16 in Balochistan, 11 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 16 in Sindh, and 6 in Punjab.
  • Over 9.5 million children under five years of age will be administered polio vaccine drops during the campaign.
  • Polio vaccination teams will be visiting doorsteps in specific Union Councils of Islamabad, as part of the campaign.
  • Parents and guardians are urged to cooperate with polio teams and allow them to administer vaccine drops to their children.
  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened high-level meetings with all four provinces' chief ministers to launch a nationwide high-quality level drive within the next two months.
  • The government is extending every possible assistance and security measure to protect polio workers.

Statistics:

  • 9.5 million children under five years of age will be administered polio vaccine drops during the campaign.
  • 49 districts have been selected for the anti-polio campaign, covering a significant portion of the country.
  • 16 districts in Balochistan, 11 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 16 in Sindh, and 6 in Punjab are part of the campaign.
  • The government has committed to launching a nationwide high-quality level drive within the next two months.

Sources:

  • PTV news channel, Ayesha Raza Farooq interview, exact date not mentioned
  • Pakistan government's official statement regarding the anti-polio campaign, exact date not mentioned