Islamabad:Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq Thursday reiterated the government’s commitment to making Pakistan polio-free and asked citizens to cooperate with polio workers to achieve this goal, particularly in ensuring the safety of polio workers who risk their lives to administer vaccinations.
Talking to private news channel, she urged citizens to shun propaganda against polio drops, which has hindered vaccination efforts in the past.
She stressed that the oral polio-virus vaccine is safe and effective in preventing polio, a debilitating disease that can cause lifelong paralysis.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of polio workers and support from the government and international partners, Pakistan has made significant progress in reducing polio cases, she added.
Despite the progress, challenges remain including insecurity and inaccessibility in certain areas, she mentioned.
To address these challenges, the government has implemented innovative solutions, such as hiring
female community-based vaccinators to reach hard-to-reach children and establishing data support centers to track missed children, she added.
The armed forces have also provided support to ensure the safety of polio workers and facilitate vaccination efforts, she highlighted.
Replying to a query, she has emphasized that the lives of polio workers are precious and their role in eradicating polio is crucial.
She acknowledged the risks they take to ensure the safety and health of children often working in challenging environments.
Farooq praised their dedication, saying, “Polio workers are the true heroes of our time, and their contributions will not be forgotten.”
She reassured them of the government’s commitment to ensuring their safety and security, allowing them to continue their vital work without fear.
‘Keeping children safe from polio and driving this virus out of the country is the government’s top priority,’ she said, adding that we are sending polio vaccination teams to citizens’ doorsteps, espe
cially in areas where the virus is present. Make sure that you open your doors for these health workers and get your children vaccinated.’