Polio Eradication as a National Priority
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reaffirmed her government’s commitment to completely eradicate polio from the province, describing it as a national mission and a moral duty to protect children’s health and future.
Speaking at a provincial health initiative, she emphasized that the complete elimination of polio is vital to ensuring a healthy, secure future for every child. Only by eradicating this disease can we guarantee the wellbeing of our next generation, she stated.
Public Cooperation is Essential
Maryam Nawaz urged the public to cooperate fully with vaccination campaigns, warning that refusing polio vaccines is equivalent to denying children their right to a better future.
She explained that health authorities and thousands of field workers are working tirelessly across Punjab to reach every household. Their success, she said, depends on the willingness of parents to allow their children to receive the vaccine.
Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world, alongside Afghanistan, where polio continues to exist in isolated pockets. Despite major progress, several challenges persist — including misinformation about vaccines and limited access in certain regions.
Tribute to Polio Workers
Calling polio workers the heroes of the nation, the Chief Minister praised their dedication in reaching children under difficult conditions. The government deeply values their service and extends heartfelt appreciation for their courage, she said.
Polio workers in Pakistan often operate in remote or high-risk areas, ensuring that millions of children receive the two drops of oral polio vaccine necessary for protection.
A Collective Effort for a Polio-Free Pakistan
Maryam Nawaz stressed that the goal of 100 percent polio eradication cannot be achieved by the government alone. This is a shared mission for the entire nation — citizens, health workers, and the government must work together, she said.
She reaffirmed that the provincial administration will continue to support vaccination drives, strengthen awareness campaigns, and ensure the safety of frontline workers.
With sustained commitment and public cooperation, she added, Pakistan can finally join the list of countries that are completely free from polio — securing a safer, healthier future for generations to come.
