Eradication of Polio is a national priority for Pakistan, says Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating polio from Pakistan,

Karachi: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating polio from Pakistan, describing the eradication of the disease as a national objective that requires coordinated efforts from all relevant institutions and stakeholders.

According to a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Health, a high-level meeting on the country’s anti-polio campaign was held in Karachi under the chairmanship of the health minister. Representatives from World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other key stakeholders participated in the session to review the progress of ongoing efforts aimed at eliminating the virus.

During the meeting, the Provincial Coordinator for the Sindh Polio Program briefed the minister on recent developments, operational performance, and the overall status of polio eradication activities in the province. Participants reviewed the achievements made so far, discussed the challenges that continue to hinder progress, and evaluated strategies for strengthening future campaigns.

Addressing the gathering, Mustafa Kamal emphasized that Pakistan’s fight against polio remains one of the country’s most important public health priorities. He stated that the complete eradication of the disease can only be achieved through close collaboration among government departments, international partners, healthcare workers, and community organizations.

The minister stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together in a coordinated manner to ensure the success of the national polio eradication initiative. He noted that sustained commitment, effective planning, and continuous monitoring are essential to reaching every child and preventing the spread of the virus.

Highlighting the importance of accountability and oversight, Mustafa Kamal called for further strengthening of monitoring and surveillance systems. He said that robust supervision mechanisms are critical for identifying gaps in vaccination coverage and ensuring that immunization campaigns are implemented effectively across all regions of the country.

He also directed authorities to modernize field operations and align them with contemporary public health standards. According to the minister, adopting innovative approaches, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing coordination among field teams will contribute significantly to the success of future vaccination drives.

The health minister further urged officials to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to eliminate the disease permanently. He emphasized that protecting children from polio is a shared national responsibility and requires the active participation of both institutions and the public.

Appealing directly to parents and guardians, Mustafa Kamal encouraged families to fully cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure that their children receive polio drops during every campaign. He noted that vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children from the debilitating effects of the virus and to secure a healthier future for the next generation.

Pakistan remains one of the few countries where polio transmission has not yet been completely eliminated. Health authorities continue to intensify vaccination efforts, surveillance activities, and public awareness campaigns as part of the country’s broader strategy to achieve a polio-free future