Islamabad (Web Desk/Agencies): A week-long nationwide anti-polio immunization drive officially kicked off today (Monday), with the goal of administering the polio vaccine to approximately 44 million children across the country.
This campaign is a direct response to the recent rise in poliovirus infections, which have now reached 63 reported cases for the current year.
Health authorities are prioritizing the widespread distribution of the oral polio vaccine to safeguard public health and curb the transmission of the virus.
The campaign, which will span one week, aims to reach children in both urban and rural areas to help achieve progress in the global fight against poliomyelitis.
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally launched the last polio eradication drive of the year by administering anti-polio vaccine to children.
Addressing the launching ceremony in Islamabad, he expressed the commitment to eradicate the poliovirus from Pakistan with the help of provincial governments and the international partners, the Radio Pakistan reported.
PM Shehbaz urged the parents to ensure vaccination of their children to protect them from polio.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister's Focal Person on Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq said around 400,000 polio workers across 143 districts of the country will visit every household to administer polio drops to the children below five years.
She requested the parents to open their doors and fully cooperate with the polio teams in this campaign.
Coordinator to Prime Minister on National Health Services, Dr Mukhtar Bharath said around 44 million children will be reached out across Pakistan during this last polio eradication drive of the year.