Experts urge the minister to trust his own source of information as most of EOC briefings are concocted and EOC Sindh’s performance may sabotage polio fight in the country
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate polio, vowing that the mission will not end until the virus is fully eliminated. Speaking ahead of a nationwide campaign, Kamal acknowledged the sacrifices made in the fight against the disease and assured that all necessary support and resources are being provided.
“Pakistan has made great sacrifices in this struggle. Our commitment is unwavering, and the campaign will continue until every child is safe from polio,” Kamal said. He emphasized that strong coordination between Pakistan and Afghanistan remains crucial, with both countries launching synchronized polio vaccination drives to tackle the cross-border threat. The upcoming nationwide anti-polio campaign is set to begin on 26 May, targeting over 45.4 million children under the age of five.
Kamal said the government remains determined to wipe out polio by the end of 2025. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health noted that Dr. Chris Elias, a key figure in global polio eradication efforts, has praised Pakistan’s progress and expressed hope that the country will meet its goal by next year. While cheering the praise, minister must work on weakened areas to truly get the virus out of the country.
Experts said the minister should rely on his own sources of information rather than EOC briefings—particularly those from EOC Sindh, which has consistently stumbled in its fight against the virus due to sheer administrative incompetence. Senior officials, especially partner staff, have remained in the same positions for years without any accountability, despite repeated poor performance.
It is worth noting that during every campaign in Karachi, EOC Sindh has found itself mired in controversy—ranging from threatening parents to taking legal action against them—despite having access to communication strategies that could have persuaded rather than intimidated. Minister Kamal must pay serious attention to EOC Sindh, which has become a hub of mismanagement and nepotism. This is a matter of public welfare and cannot be handled like Pakistan Steel or the Sindh Secretariat, where jobs are routinely handed out to family and friends.
