The Federal Minister of National Health Services and Regulations Syed Mustafa Kamal has confirmed the government’s obligation to eradicate polio from Pakistan and call for collective action from all community segments. In a speech with journalists in Karachi on Sunday, the minister announced that the next nationwide anti-police vaccination campaign begins on April 21.

“Vaccination is the only means of getting rid of this poliosis disease,” Kamal said, calling on parents across the country to ensure their children get the vaccine, Express News reported.

He emphasized the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders, including societies, health workers and civil society, to achieve a poliofri Pakistan. “Every stakeholder has a role in playing in eradicating polio,” he added.

Pakistan is still one of the few countries in the world where polio is still endemic despite significant progress in recent years. The government continues to run targeted immunization drives to protect children, especially in areas at high risk.