Federal Minister for Health, Syed Mustafa Kamal, chaired a highlevel meeting at the Emergency Operations Center in Quetta today, where he was briefed on the current status and progress of polio eradication efforts in Balochistan. Officials reported that no polio cases have been detected in the province so far in 2025-a promising sign in Pakistan’s ongoing battle against the disease.
During the session, national and provincial coordinators outlined the strategies and onground actions being undertaken to curb the virus. The Minister lauded the milestone, calling it a testament to the dedication of health teams and the coordinated efforts of federal and provincial authorities.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Kamal reaffirmed the government’s firm resolve, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, to eliminate polio from every part of the country. ‘We must remain vigilant. The virus has not disappeared yet, and even a single missed child can keep the threat alive,’ he cautioned.
Underscoring the critical role of public trust and cooperation, the Minister called on all citizens to dismiss vaccinerelated misinformation. ‘Vaccination is the only protection against polio. Diseases like cancer may have treatments, but polio does not. Prevention is our only option,’ he stated.
He hailed the tireless commitment of polio frontline workers, calling them the ‘real heroes’ of Pakistan’s public health efforts. ‘Their dedication, often in challenging conditions, deserves the nation’s utmost respect and support,’ he said.
The Minister appealed to religious leaders, educators, and community influencers to help mobilize families and encourage vaccine acceptance. ‘Invite polio teams into your homes. Make sure every child under five receives polio drops in every round,’ he urged.
He also reassured parents about the vaccine’s safety, citing its use in both Muslim and nonMuslim countries, including Afghanistan under the Taliban. ‘This vaccine has been instrumental in making other nations poliofree-it can do the same for us,’ he noted.
Concluding the meeting, Minister Kamal emphasized that only a united national front can eliminate the virus permanently. ‘Every household, every citizen has a role. Together, we will defeat polio.’