PM's aide alarmed over rising polio cases
Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio Eradication, Ms Ayesha Raza Farooq on Wednesday called for strengthening the polio programme and making more efforts aimed at disease eradication due to rising cases in the country.
"The ongoing outbreak is alarming, with six children already paralyzed in 2025," she said while chairing a meeting of the National Polio Management Team (NPMT) to assess progress, address emerging challenges, and refine strategies for the upcoming nationwide immunisation campaigns scheduled to take place in April and May.
"We must remain vigilant, proactive, and committed to refining our approaches to stay ahead of the virus," she added while emphasizing the urgency of the moment.
The meeting brought together national and provincial coordinators, core group members, and key stakeholders.
The meeting reinforced the importance of gender-inclusive workforce participation, the synergy between Essential Immunization and Polio Eradication efforts, and adherence to the latest Technical Advisory Group (TAG) recommendations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Year's third polio drive kicks off
A health worker administers polio drops to a child during a door-to-door vaccination campaign amidst heavy snow in the Bakwali-Surgan area of Azad Jammu Kashmir's Neelum Valley, on February 4, 2025. (AFP In continued efforts toward a polio-free Pakistan, the Pakistan Polio Programme launched its third National Immunisation Days (NIDs) campaign of the year on Sunday at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), Islamabad. The campaign was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, alongside members of the Polio Programme's core group and representatives of partner organisations. To mark the launch, Farooq administered oral polio vaccine and Vitamin A drops to children under five, reinforcing the government's unwavering commitment to eradicating the crippling disease from every corner of the country. Scheduled to begin on May 26, the weeklong campaign aims to vaccinate over 45 million children under five, making it a critical intervention in Pakistan's final push to interrupt poliovirus transmission and achieve eradication by the end of 2025. "Polio eradication is not just a health goal — it is a national imperative and a matter of immense pride for our country," Farooq said. "This third campaign of 2025 marks a decisive milestone in our 2-4-6 roadmap. These back-to-back rounds from September 2024 to May 2025 represent our most strategic opportunity to close immunity gaps and halt virus circulation before the high transmission season begins." Farooq acknowledged the persistent challenges in key reservoirs such as Karachi, South K-P and Quetta Block but noted encouraging progress in reaching previously underserved populations. She also extended heartfelt appreciation to the 400,000 frontline workers powering the campaign, including 225,000 female vaccinators and recognised the critical role of civil and military law enforcement in ensuring safe access to children. Despite major gains, wild poliovirus continues to pose a threat. Pakistan has confirmed 10 cases so far this year. Environmental surveillance has detected the virus in 272 sewage samples from 127 testing sites, across 68 districts, signalling continued circulation. Speaking at the event, UNICEF representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, expressed confidence in the programme's direction. As he concluded his tenure in Pakistan, Fadil commended the national leadership and Farooq for their tireless dedication to polio eradication. "Pakistan is closer than ever to making history. With continued political will, community engagement, and coordinated action by all partners, I believe this country can soon achieve a polio-free future," he said. The public is strongly encouraged to cooperate with vaccination teams and report any missed children via the Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline 1166 or the WhatsApp Helpline at 0346-7776546.
Express Tribune
26-03-2025
- Express Tribune
PM's aide alarmed over rising polio cases
Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio Eradication, Ms Ayesha Raza Farooq on Wednesday called for strengthening the polio programme and making more efforts aimed at disease eradication due to rising cases in the country. "The ongoing outbreak is alarming, with six children already paralyzed in 2025," she said while chairing a meeting of the National Polio Management Team (NPMT) to assess progress, address emerging challenges, and refine strategies for the upcoming nationwide immunisation campaigns scheduled to take place in April and May. "We must remain vigilant, proactive, and committed to refining our approaches to stay ahead of the virus," she added while emphasizing the urgency of the moment. The meeting brought together national and provincial coordinators, core group members, and key stakeholders. The meeting reinforced the importance of gender-inclusive workforce participation, the synergy between Essential Immunization and Polio Eradication efforts, and adherence to the latest Technical Advisory Group (TAG) recommendations.
Express Tribune
07-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Pakistan honours female polio workers ahead of International Women's Day
The Pakistan Polio Eradication Program paid tribute to female polio workers on Friday, recognising their dedication and contributions in high-risk areas during a ceremony in Islamabad on Friday ahead of International Women's Day (March 8). Female health workers are at the forefront of the country's polio eradication efforts, constituting more than 58.4% of the polio workforce. They play a leading role in the crucial door-to-door inoculation drives, often working in some of the most challenging environments. During the ceremony, Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio, reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting female workers. "Today, as we commemorate International Women's Day, I want to reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring a safe, dignified, and enabling environment for every female frontline worker," she said. Farooq also highlighted the Pakistan Polio Programme's implementation of an anti-harassment policy, ensuring a secure and professional environment for female workers. The event gathered national and provincial coordinators of the polio program, alongside senior officials, and included video messages from frontline female workers who shared their experiences. Many spoke about the challenges they face, such as convincing hesitant families to vaccinate their children, while expressing pride in their role in working towards a polio-free future. Anwarul Haq, the top official at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), praised the dedication of female workers, calling them the 'backbone' of Pakistan's polio eradication efforts. 'This year's theme resonates deeply with us at the National Emergency Operations Center as we honor female polio workers who are considered as the backbone of Pakistan's polio eradication efforts,' he said. "These women work tirelessly, often in difficult and high-risk areas, to ensure every child receives the life-saving polio vaccine," he added. Haq further emphasised the importance of empowering women in public health roles. "Their courage and unwavering commitment reflect the incredible strength of Pakistani women," he said. "Empowering them is not just about recognizing their contributions: it is about strengthening our communities and ensuring a healthier, polio-free Pakistan," he added. Haq also stressed the significance of gender sensitivity in public health, noting that supporting women in frontline health roles contributes to building a more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous society. Pakistan recently concluded its first nationwide anti-polio campaign of 2025, with authorities reporting six polio cases so far this year. Additional vaccination rounds are planned for April and May, as the country continues its efforts to eradicate the disease.
