ISLAMABAD, Oct 23 (APP):Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Initiative marked World Polio Day 2026 on Friday by honouring frontline workers for their dedication and sacrifices in protecting children against the crippling disease.
The event, held under the theme “Shukriya Polio Frontline Workers – Celebrating the Champions of a Polio-Free Pakistan,” was attended by Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq, development partners, donors and more than 100 frontline workers from across the country.
Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath paid tribute to Pakistan’s more than 400,000 polio frontline workers for their tireless efforts to protect every child against the disease.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to polio eradication under the leadership of Prime Minister, he stressed the importance of sustained vaccination campaigns, effective disease surveillance and collective action to achieve a polio-free Pakistan.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting and safeguarding frontline workers as they continue their efforts to protect children and build a healthier future.
Ayesha Raza Farooq highlighted the indispensable role of more than 400,000 frontline workers, over 60 per cent of whom are women, in advancing the country’s polio eradication efforts.
She acknowledged their dedication and appreciated the continued support of development partners and donors, emphasizing that reaching every missed child and sustaining collective efforts were essential to interrupting polio transmission.
The event underscored the importance of recognizing frontline workers and strengthening collective efforts to protect every child and achieve a polio-free Pakistan.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
