The Federal Minister of Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, said on Sunday that the eradication of polyomyelitis remained a national priority, adding that achieving a Pokistan free of polio required an “modern and integrated strategy that addresses all challenges.”
Pakistan is one of the last two countries in the world, along with Afghanistan, where polyomyelitis remains endemic, and the disease mainly affects children under five and sometimes causes life paralysis. Despite global efforts to eradicate virus, challenges such as safety problems, vaccine vaccine and erroneous information have slowed progress.
During his visit to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for poliomyelitis today to evaluate the eradication efforts of current polyomyelitis, the Federal Minister said: “The eradication of polyomyelitis remains a national priority.”
“Achieving a Pakistan without polio requires a modern and integrated strategy that addresses all challenges,” said Kamal, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Health.
By expressing concern for vaccines rejection, the Minister of Health requested a detailed report on families that reject vaccination.
He recognized the dedication of first -line workers and district administrations in the fight against polyomyelitis and emphasized the need to use all the resources available to eliminate the virus, according to the press release.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support Sindh in the eradication efforts of polyomyelitis, especially since four out of six cases of polyomyelitis were reported in 2025 from the province.
“He said a deep concern about the 43,000 parents in Sindh, almost 42,000 in Karachi, who have refused to vaccinate their children,” he said.
The press release said that the minister urged parents to make sure that their children receive poliomyelitis drops during the next national polio campaign in April.
“With the cooperation of parents, we can free the country from polyomyelitis once and for all,” Kamal said in the press release.
The Minister of Health also expressed concern about the “persistent presence” of poliovirus in Karachi’s wastewater samples.
He emphasized the need for a more effective community commitment and intensified vaccination efforts.
“All parties interested in Karachi are working together to design a strategy that guarantees that no child is without vaccination,” said Eoc Irshad Ali Sodhar provincial coordinator, according to the press release.
Federal and provincial governments remain committed to taking all necessary measures to eliminate polyomyelitis, reinforcing their dedication to a healthier and polio free future, he added.
Earlier this week, the Federal Minister had announced that the eradication of polyomyelitis would be considered as a national responsibility and promised to take all possible measures during his mandate so that the country is free from the virus.
Poly, a highly infectious viral disease, invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polyomyelitis, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this paralyzing disease.
Repeated immunizations have protected millions of children from polyomyelitis, allowing almost all countries in the world to be released.
