THE launch of a week-long polio vaccination campaign on Monday underscores a critical response to the alarming rise in polio cases, with recent reports indicating eight cases so far this year, primarily from Balochistan and Sindh. This resurgence serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by the polio-virus in our communities.
In a statement, the newly appointed prime minister’s focal person on polio, Ayesha Raza Farooq said keeping children safe from polio and driving this virus out of the country is the government’s top priority. It is a matter of great satisfaction that Ayesha Raza Farooq has been given the responsibility of polio eradication as in her previous tenure, she really took forward the eradication efforts in an effective manner. Because of this she was also awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz and we are confident that under her leadership, the campaign will be taken in the right direction.
However, achieving eradication requires more than just administrative effort. It demands active participation from every segment of society, particularly parents. It is imperative that parents understand the importance of vaccination and ensure their children are vaccinated during every campaign. This responsibility cannot be overstated; it is a collective duty to protect the health of our children and prevent the spread of a preventable disease. As polio vaccination teams traverse communities, knocking on doors and administering drops, they represent hope and progress in the fight against polio. Their efforts must be met with cooperation and support from all quarters of society. By ensuring that every child receives the polio vaccine, we can move closer to joining the ranks of nations that have successfully eliminated this disease. While challenges remain, we are confident that with strong leadership, dedicated health workers and active community involvement, we can soon consign polio to the pages of history. Let us seize this opportunity to protect our children, strengthen our health system and contribute to a polio-free Pakistan. The time to act is now, and together, we can achieve a healthier future.
