ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has pledged to eradicate polio by the end of this year, Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal said on Sunday during a meeting with the President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation Dr Chris Elias.

Attributing the recent progress to successful immunisation campaigns and better community outreach, Mr Kamal reaffirmed his commitment, noting a significant decrease in parental vaccine refusal.

“The fight against polio has required a tremendous sacrifice from all stakeholders, including law enforcement personnel who have rendered invaluable services,” Mr Kamal said. “This mission will continue until we reach complete eradication.”

The minister praised the Gates Foundation for its continued support and emphasised that the federal and provincial governments, along with law enforcement agencies, remain united in their goal of eliminating the virus.

Mr Kamal also highlighted the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting that he “regularly convenes high-level meetings to review the performance of the polio eradication program and ensure the provision of full support and resources.”

The minister informed that the successful nationwide anti-polio campaigns were conducted in February and April. The next campaign is set to begin May 26 and aims to vaccinate more than 45.4 million children under the age of five.

Dr Elias commended the government’s efforts and reaffirmed the Gates Foundation’s commitment to a polio-free Pakistan.

“We are encouraged by Pakistan’s progress and hopeful that the goal of eradication in 2025 will be achieved,” he said.

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2025