PM launches anti-polio vaccine drive targeting 44 million children

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday launched a five-day anti-polio vaccination drive targeting around 44 million children across the country.

The prime minister initiated the campaign by administering anti-polio vaccine oral drops and Vitamin A to children at the PM House.

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said 350,000 polio workers would participate in the drive to administer anti-polio vaccine to 44 million children, the official news agency reported.

He termed the polio workers as the nation’s heroes who brave challenges while making the anti-polio drive successful. He also mentioned the support of the international partners in helping Pakistan to eradicate the disease.

Kakar urged religious scholars and clerics to play their role in convincing the parents to get their children administered with anti-polio vaccine.

“It is our religious, moral, and social responsibility to save our future generations from this crippling disease,” he said. “We have to make Pakistan free from polio.”

Interim Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan and senior officials were present on the occasion.