ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for National Health Services and Regulations Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath on Friday vowed to eradicate poliovirus and protect future generations from the crippling disease.
Addressing a special event on World Polio Day, has paid glowing tribute to the Pakistan’s polio frontline workers. Dr Bharath acknowledged the dedication, sacrifices and unwavering commitment of frontline workers to protecting children from polio, saying that the continued oversight of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, strong programme leadership and tireless efforts of frontline workers had contributed significantly to Pakistan’s progress towards polio eradication.
The minister said that the Prime Minister regularly reviews the progress of the polio programme, reflecting the government’s sustained commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan. He noted that Pakistan reported 74 polio cases in 2024, while subsequent progress highlighted the importance of sustained surveillance, effective vaccination campaigns and coordinated efforts to interrupt poliovirus transmission.
Dr Bharath said that polio frontline workers perform a critical role beyond administering vaccine drops. Their responsibilities include maintaining the vaccine cold chain, reaching households, addressing parental concerns and building community trust to ensure that every child is protected. He commended workers who continue to serve in challenging geographical conditions, extreme weather and security-constrained environments to protect children from lifelong disability.
Paying special tribute to frontline workers serving in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other challenging areas, the Minister emphasised that no child should be left unvaccinated, regardless of where they live. He also paid homage to workers who had lost their lives while performing their duties, stating that their sacrifices would always be remembered by the nation.
The Minister of State stressed that reaching the final stage of polio eradication requires consistently high-quality vaccination campaigns, effective surveillance, efforts to counter misinformation and close coordination among government institutions, partners and communities. He cautioned that the presence of poliovirus in any part of the country poses a risk to children nationwide, making sustained vaccination and vigilance essential.
Conveying Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s appreciation and best wishes for polio frontline workers, Dr Bharath reaffirmed that a polio-free Pakistan is not merely a public health objective but a commitment to securing a healthier future for generations to come. He reiterated the government’s resolve to continue working with the national polio programme leadership, partners and frontline workers until Pakistan achieves the goal of complete polio eradication.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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