The President urged parents to welcome vaccination for their children, stressing the urgent need to overcome myths and misconceptions that hinder immunization efforts
By Asghar Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has lauded the unwavering dedication, vigilant monitoring, and remarkable courage of Pakistan’s polio workers, whose relentless efforts have led to a staggering reduction of polio cases by over 99 percent in the country. In a heartfelt tribute, he honored the brave health workers and security personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the face of cowardly attacks aimed at undermining Pakistan’s mission to become polio-free.
In a message marking the nationwide polio eradication campaign running from May 26 to June 1, President Zardari highlighted the ambitious target of vaccinating 45.4 million children under the age of five across both urban centers and remote areas. The campaign mobilizes more than 400,000 workers who will visit homes door-to-door, delivering life-saving polio drops with the hope of securing a healthier future for the nation’s youngest generation.
The president appealed directly to parents to open their doors and ensure their children receive the vaccine, emphasizing the critical need to dispel persistent myths and misconceptions surrounding immunization. He called upon teachers, religious leaders, and community members to actively support the campaign by fostering trust and raising awareness about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.
President Zardari also urged the media to amplify the message that the polio vaccine remains the strongest weapon in the fight against the disease. He expressed full support for his daughter, First Lady Asifa Bhutto Zardari, whose tireless advocacy has added momentum to the national effort. Her appeals to parents, community influencers, and youth reinforce the message that the eradication of polio is a shared responsibility requiring collective commitment.
Reflecting on the dramatic progress since the 1990s, when polio cases were alarmingly high, President Zardari condemned the recent tragic attack in Noshki, where a polio team’s security personnel were targeted, resulting in the death of a police officer. Offering condolences to the bereaved family, he honored all those courageous workers who continue to risk their lives to reach every child, no matter how difficult the terrain.
Despite the immense progress, the president warned that polio has not yet been defeated. The recent rise in cases during 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead, particularly in reaching remote and displaced populations. Maintaining a high vaccination coverage remains essential to ensure the virus is fully eradicated.
