WEB DESK: Chairing a meeting on polio eradication campaign on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the ‘decline’ in polio cases was a testament to the campaign’s effectiveness. He has instructed the authorities to digitise the polio data and ensure strict monitoring. Pakistan reported its sixth case within the first three months of the year 2025, with cases from Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
PM Sharif said that the government is committed to wiping off polio from Pakistan and maintained that the decline was due to ‘tireless’ efforts of ‘provincial administrators’. With 74 cases in 2024, Pakistan has a long way to go to combat polio cases.
Pakistan’s fight against poliovirus continues to fall short
“Complete eradication of polio is only possible through cooperation between federal and provincial authorities,” PM Sharif stressed adding that he appreciated the support of security forces during the anti-polio campaign. Two police officers, in Jamrud and Bajaur respectively were killed on duty while providing security to the polio workers.
Over the past 12 years, Pakistan has spent over USD11 billion to eradicate polio. In addition to this, Pakistan has also received USD1 billion from international donors in five years to defeat the poliovirus.