ISLAMABAD: Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme, has called on citizens to actively support Pakistan’s ongoing anti-polio campaign, emphasizing that the eradication of the disease is a shared national responsibility.
In a statement issued during the campaign, she said that approximately 45 million children under the age of five are being administered polio vaccines across the country. The initiative involves millions of frontline health workers who are conducting door-to-door visits to ensure comprehensive immunization coverage.
Nationwide effort to eliminate polio
Khalid highlighted that the previous vaccination drive successfully reached millions of children, describing it as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate the virus. She urged parents to ensure their children receive the protective drops, warning that even a single unvaccinated child can sustain the risk of transmission.
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She stressed that achieving a polio-free society is essential for a healthy and secure future, noting that the government aims to reduce polio cases to zero within the current year. The chairperson also commended the dedication of field workers and stated that measures are being taken to ensure their safety and provide necessary operational support.
BISP’s role in public awareness
Khalid added that the Benazir Income Support Programme is leveraging its extensive outreach network to raise awareness among millions of beneficiary families, encouraging them to participate in the vaccination campaign and protect their children from the debilitating disease.
Pakistan remains one of the few countries where polio transmission has not yet been completely interrupted. Public cooperation, alongside sustained immunization efforts, is considered essential to achieving eradication.
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