A nationwide anti-polio initiative commenced today at the District Health Office in Baldia Town, Karachi, with Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal leading the launch. The campaign, scheduled to continue until September 9, aims to protect countless youngsters from the crippling effects of polio.
Minister Kamal emphasized the vaccine”s safety and efficacy, dismissing rumors suggesting otherwise as unfounded and deceptive. He reassured the public that vaccination would not be mandatory and emphasized the respectful approach health workers would adopt when engaging with families. Security personnel accompanying the teams are solely for protection, not enforcement, he clarified.
Addressing the national polio landscape, the Minister acknowledged the continued presence of the virus in numerous districts. While 20 districts have shown traces of the poliovirus, only 23 cases have been confirmed, a significantly lower number than the potential thousands without vaccination efforts. Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only nations where polio transmission persists.
The Minister expressed apprehension about ongoing vaccine refusal. Over 27,000 families in Karachi alone have declined vaccination, putting their offspring at risk. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 16 cases have emerged this year, with 13 clustered in a southern district facing extended security issues hindering vaccination access. These statistics highlight the critical need to reach every child, he stressed.
Minister Kamal urged National and Provincial Assembly members to actively encourage community participation. He highlighted that fostering trust through dialogue and education is crucial, as coercive tactics erode public trust.
The Baldia Town campaign is part of a broader national strategy to eradicate polio. The government reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating the disease through sustained public awareness, collaboration, and shared responsibility.