KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has urged elected representatives at every level to take active ownership of the anti-polio campaign, warning that Pakistan stands at a critical juncture in the global fight against the crippling disease.
In an open letter addressed to Members of the National Assembly, Provincial Assembly, and local government officials, the chief minister emphasized that polio eradication is not merely a healthcare challenge but a moral obligation that demands political unity and grassroots mobilization. The message was issued ahead of the upcoming National Immunisation Day scheduled for May 26, 2025.
“Polio eradication is not merely a health priority; it is a moral imperative,” Shah wrote. “The future of our children and the well-being of our communities depend on our collective resolve to rid our land of this crippling disease once and for all.”
Pakistan remains one of only two countries where the wild poliovirus continues to circulate. According to the Sindh Health Department, 74 cases of wild poliovirus have been reported across the country in 2024 — a significant uptick that has alarmed health officials.
A large share of these cases has emerged from Sindh, particularly Karachi and its northern districts, which remain high-risk zones due to population density, vaccine hesitancy, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Shah noted that despite repeated vaccination campaigns, too many children remain vulnerable. Reasons cited include parental refusals, inaccessibility of remote areas, and the persistent issue of unregistered births, which complicates the tracking of eligible children.
He called on lawmakers to not only support polio workers but also lead from the front in community outreach. “Our people trust their elected leaders,” he said. “Your involvement will make a decisive difference in breaking myths, combating disinformation, and reaching every last child.”
The chief minister urged representatives to engage directly with their constituents to address vaccine resistance, oversee local implementation of routine immunisation schedules, and assist in verifying accurate child registration records to ensure no one is missed during campaigns. He stressed that innovative outreach, including mobile teams and local volunteers, would be crucial in targeting hard-to-reach communities.
In a direct appeal to political unity, Shah added, “This fight transcends political lines. I urge my colleagues from both the treasury and opposition benches to treat this as a national cause.”
Looking ahead, the chief minister also flagged the upcoming Sub-National Immunisation Day in July, stating that consistent momentum was essential to finally eradicate polio from Pakistan’s soil.
He concluded by reminding lawmakers that history would not forgive failure on this front. “Pakistan has come close before — but this time, we must finish the job. This is our collective moment of responsibility,” Shah said.
Health officials confirmed that the province has mobilised over 80,000 vaccinators for the May 26 campaign, with enhanced security measures in place following recent threats against healthcare workers in high-risk areas.
