Members of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) have called for a unified and strategic approach to eliminate polio in Pakistan. In a recent meeting in Islamabad, the PCCR discussed comprehensive measures to bolster the nation’s fight against the disease, emphasizing the urgent need for collaboration and reform to achieve polio eradication.
The caucus outlined several key recommendations to strengthen the national polio strategy. Members advocated for legislative and policy reforms to reinforce the institutional framework responsible for polio eradication. They also proposed the creation of an Inter-Provincial Parliamentary Taskforce, which would enhance coordination among provinces to ensure cohesive and effective action.
To broaden outreach and raise awareness, the PCCR suggested launching school-based vaccination and education campaigns targeting children. Members stressed the importance of community sensitization efforts, including advocacy initiatives to counter misinformation about vaccines and encourage grassroots support.
Ensuring the sustainability of eradication efforts was another priority, with the caucus highlighting the need for robust budgetary oversight and improved resource mobilization to secure ongoing financing.
The meeting concluded with a firm commitment from the PCCR to work alongside national and international partners in pursuit of a polio-free Pakistan. Attendees included Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Convenor of the PCCR; Dr. Shahida Rehmani, Secretary of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC); Treasurer of the WPC Ms. Shahida Begum; as well as several Members of the National Assembly including Syeda Shehla Raza, Ms. Rana Ansar, Ms. Sofia Saeed Shah, Ms. Shaheen, Ms. Zainab Mehmood Baloch, and Ms. Kiran Haider.
