Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has stressed the critical need to vaccinate all children under five against polio as preparations for a large-scale immunization campaign move forward. The campaign aims to protect over 28 million children across the country and is set to launch in 99 selected districts and in South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa shortly after.
During a thorough briefing with the National Emergency Operations Center Coordinator for Polio Eradication, the Health Minister expressed strong government resolve to stamp out polio nationwide. He highlighted that, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, targeted strategies will be implemented particularly in high-risk areas, and he pledged to personally monitor the campaign to ensure its effectiveness and wide reach.
Minister Kamal reminded the public that the polio virus is still circulating in the environment and warned that vaccination remains the only form of protection, as polio, unlike some other diseases such as cancer, has no cure. He called on all parents to have their children vaccinated, underscoring that this simple step is crucial for their health and safety.
Addressing concerns about misinformation, the Minister urged the community not to fall for negative propaganda that could endanger children’s futures. He warned that refusing vaccination exposes children to the risk of lifelong disability and reaffirmed that the government is dedicated to eradicating polio from the country.
