Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio have entered a crucial phase, as officials reviewed progress and unveiled a new strategic plan during a recent National Polio Management Team meeting in Lahore. Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, led the two-day session which brought together national and provincial coordinators, as well as partners from across the country.
While acknowledging that significant progress has been made in combating the virus, Ms. Farooq emphasized that polio still finds vulnerabilities in regions such as south Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi, and parts of Punjab. She highlighted the need to build trust within communities, stressing that only with the support of local residents can health teams reach every child in the fight against the disease.
A new initiative, the Roadmap to Zero Polio, was launched and has received full endorsement from the Prime Minister. This focused and phased plan aims to drive Pakistan towards complete eradication of the virus. According to Ms. Farooq, the strategy will rely on stronger vaccination campaigns, smarter planning, and strict accountability to ensure no child remains unprotected.
The session included participants from all provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad, as well as global polio eradication partners and emergency operations coordinators. The meeting underscored Pakistan’s commitment to achieving a polio-free future, with hopes that this year could mark a decisive step towards eliminating the disease for current and future generations.
