Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed on Thursday that no new polio cases have been reported in Pakistan since February 10, 2025. Chairing a high-level meeting on the country’s polio eradication efforts, the prime minister lauded the dedication of health officials, international partners, and frontline workers in the fight against the disease.
He stressed the need for robust public awareness and community engagement ahead of the upcoming nationwide anti-polio drive, set to begin on April 21.
“Every child under five must receive the vaccine during this campaign,” Shehbaz emphasized, also underscoring the importance of continuing routine immunisation against other serious diseases.
Officials informed the prime minister that approximately 4.5 million children will be targeted in the week-long vaccination drive, supported by 415,000 polio workers nationwide. A third-party assessment of the campaign will be conducted from April 28 to 30 to ensure transparency and effectiveness.
The briefing also covered the use of a digital system to monitor cold chain logistics, ensuring vaccine integrity throughout the process.
The meeting was attended by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Special Representative on Polio Ayesha Raza Farooq, Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, provincial chief secretaries, and international partners.
