Pakistan launches new anti-polio campaign after cases rise to 63

16/12/2024 6:09

The Pakistani government launched a new nationwide anti-polio campaign on Sunday after cases rose to 63 so far in 2024, the Prime Minister's Office said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the final immunization campaign of 2024, which will run on Dec. 16-22, according to a statement from the office.

Over 400,000 health workers will visit doorsteps in 143 districts to provide immunization to over 44 million children under five across Pakistan.

The prime minister emphasized the importance of the immunization campaign while expressing an unwavering commitment to eradicate polio in the country.

Sharif urged parents nationwide to support the campaign by ensuring their children receive polio drops.

"Administering polio drops to millions of children will strengthen their future and help them become educated and valuable contributors to Pakistan's development," the prime minister said.