In a decisive move to combat polio, Pakistan initiates its final vaccination campaign of 2024, targeting 44 million children and confronting challenges of misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and security risks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched the final nationwide anti-polio campaign of 2024, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating the crippling disease amid a worrying surge in cases. The campaign, which officially begins on December 16, will span 143 districts and aims to vaccinate over 44 million children under the age of five.
Addressing the launch ceremony in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz expressed concern over the rising number of polio cases in the country, which have reached 63 this year, affecting 83 districts. Of these, 26 cases have been reported in Balochistan, 18 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 17 in Sindh, and one each in Punjab and Islamabad.
“We will win this war against polio despite the difficulties faced in the past,” the prime minister said. He also administered polio drops to children at the event as a symbolic gesture to encourage nationwide participation.
The initiative comes as Pakistan continues to battle its status as one of the last two countries where polio remains endemic, alongside Afghanistan. The disease predominantly affects children under five, sometimes causing lifelong paralysis. Despite global eradication efforts, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and security threats have hindered progress in the region.
PM Shehbaz made a heartfelt appeal to parents, urging them to support the campaign by ensuring their children receive the vaccine. “I respectfully request all parents to help us safeguard the future of our children by participating in this campaign,” he said. He further extended his gratitude to international partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Government of Saudi Arabia, for their continued support in combating polio.
Spreading to New Districts
The current surge in cases highlights the critical need for the campaign. The virus has recently spread to the previously unaffected district of Charsadda in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, underscoring the urgency of ensuring comprehensive immunisation coverage. Poliovirus, which thrives in warm climates, is less active during colder months, making this campaign a pivotal opportunity to curb its spread before the next high-transmission season begins in May.
A Nationwide Effort Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq detailed the campaign’s logistics, stating it would run from December 16 to 22. She called on families to open their doors to the 400,000 frontline workers who will administer the vaccine across the country.
“As a mother, I appeal to you to trust the polio workers and allow them to vaccinate your children,” Farooq said in a pre-recorded message. She emphasised that the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and provided free of charge. Farooq also lauded the dedication of polio workers, describing them as “real heroes” who operate under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
The campaign is the fourth nationwide polio vaccination drive this year. Previous district-specific campaigns and three earlier national efforts have contributed significantly to immunisation rates, yet the battle against the disease is far from over. Security concerns remain a major obstacle, with polio teams frequently requiring protection from law enforcement.
International Support
PM Shehbaz acknowledged the vital role of international partnerships in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. He extended special thanks to Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their “valuable contributions” in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. He also highlighted the unwavering support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and WHO.
The prime minister’s personal involvement in the campaign reflects his administration’s prioritisation of public health. “The federal and provincial governments are working together to ensure the success of this drive,” he said, commending security forces for their efforts in protecting vaccination teams.
A Call to Action
With this final campaign of the year, Pakistan renews its determination to eliminate polio. PM Shehbaz’s impassioned plea to parents and recognition of frontline workers’ sacrifices underscore the collaborative nature of this effort. As the country grapples with the challenges posed by polio, the success of this initiative could mark a significant step towards a polio-free Pakistan.
