No Polio Cases in Balochistan So Far in 2025: Health Minister Vows Continued National Effort Against Virus
Polio Workers Saluted as Health Minister Praises Progress in Balochistan
Quetta, June 16, 2025 — In a significant development for Pakistan’s public health campaign, Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal announced that no polio cases have been reported in Balochistan so far this year. The statement came during a high-level meeting on polio eradication held at the Emergency Operations Center in Quetta, where national and provincial coordinators provided a comprehensive briefing on the current state of polio and the strategies in place to eliminate the virus.
Minister Kamal praised this achievement as a key milestone and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating polio across the country. “Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the federal and provincial governments are united in the mission to wipe out polio from every corner of Pakistan,” he stated.
Emphasizing the need for continued vigilance, Kamal warned that despite the progress, the poliovirus remains a threat. “We cannot afford complacency. The virus still exists, and it is our collective responsibility to eliminate it entirely,” he said. He urged the public to disregard misinformation and ensure that every child under five receives the polio vaccine.
The Health Minister extended his gratitude to frontline workers, calling them “the real heroes” of the campaign. He acknowledged their sacrifices and appealed for societal support, particularly from religious leaders, educators, and community elders, to ensure the success of future vaccination drives.
Highlighting the seriousness of the disease, Kamal drew a sharp comparison between polio and other illnesses. “Polio has no cure — unlike cancer, which may be treatable. The only protection is prevention through vaccination,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of reaching every child during each campaign.
Addressing concerns about vaccine safety, the Minister reassured parents that the oral polio vaccine is both safe and effective. “This is the same vaccine that has been used successfully around the world, including in Afghanistan under the Taliban government,” he noted.
Kamal called on communities to take active ownership of the polio eradication campaign. “Invite polio teams into your homes, ensure that no child is left behind, and play your part in protecting Pakistan’s future generations,” he urged.
Concluding the meeting, the Minister reiterated that the fight against polio requires a united national front, stressing that the battle can only be won through solidarity, trust in science, and collective resolve.
