KARACHI: Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal expressed concern over four out of six polio cases this year being reported from Sindh, stating that the complete eradication of polio remains a national priority.

The minister said this during a visit to the Provincial Emergency Operation Centre (PEOC), where he was briefed on the ongoing vaccination campaigns and the challenges faced.

Mr Kamal reiterated that polio eradication is a national priority and assured that all possible resources would be utilised to eliminate the disease.

However, he raised concerns over the high number of cases in Sindh, noting that four out of the six cases recorded this year were from the province.

“In Sindh, 43,000 parents are refusing polio vaccination, with nearly 42,000 of them from Karachi,” he said.

Calls for parents’ cooperation

He urged parents to ensure their children receive polio drops during the upcoming national polio campaign in April.

He also directed officials to submit a detailed report on families refusing polio vaccination.

“With parents’ cooperation, we must eradicate polio from the country,” the minister emphasised.

Mr Kamal also voiced concerns over the presence of the poliovirus in sewage samples collected from the Karachi.

“Community engagement and vaccination drives must be made more effective to curb the spread of the virus,” he added.

The federal minister expressed hope that integrating advanced technology would be crucial in achieving a polio-free Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2025