Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched a nationwide anti-polio campaign that administered polio drops to children under five as part of the effort to eradicate the disease.

When he spoke at the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif confirmed his government’s obligation to remove polio from Pakistan.

“The national polio vaccination drive will target millions of children to protect their future and health,” he said, expressing confidence in the inauguration of health teams.

The Prime Minister recognized last year’s challenge when 77 polio cases were reported in the country and called it a “big setback.” However, he noted that only one case has been registered so far in 2025, confirming his decision to stamp the virus with support from international partners.

He emphasized that polio workers would reach remote areas and villages, ensuring nationwide coverage.

PM Shehbaz also expressed hope that coordinated efforts with global health organizations would help fight polio in Afghanistan, Pakistan’s neighboring country.

The Prime Minister thanked the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Saudi Arabia for their continued support in Pakistan’s fight against polio.

Dr. Mukhtar Bharat, the Prime Minister’s coordinator of national healthcare, said the authorities had been transparent about polio cases reported last year. “We did not hide it from the international community,” he said, adding that focused efforts had significantly reduced cases.

Aysha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s focal person on polio -depletion, called on the public to support the campaign. “Polio vaccination is a national effort and all social segments must participate. Parents must cooperate to protect their children,” she said.

The anti-polio drive, which runs from 3 to 9 February, aims to reach millions of children over Pakistan.