LAHORE, Oct 24 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has paid tribute to frontline polio workers, describing them as heroes of the nation, and saluted their dedication and services in protecting children from the crippling disease.
In her special message on World Polio Day, the CM said the Punjab government was committed to the complete eradication of polio from the province, adding that not a single polio case has been reported in Punjab this year, by the grace of Allah Almighty.
The CM appealed to parents and communities to cooperate with polio teams and ensure that all children under five years of age receive two drops of polio vaccine during every campaign. “Refusal to vaccinate children against polio is, in fact, a refusal to ensure their better and safer future,” she said, adding that the vaccine was completely safe, effective and essential for children’s lives and health.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre and the Health Department were actively working to eliminate polio from Punjab. More than 10 million children under five years of age had been vaccinated in 13 high-risk districts during anti-polio campaigns, she added.
She said regular anti-polio campaigns were conducted in Lahore and other districts of Punjab, while environmental samples were continuously tested across the province to monitor the circulation of the virus and prevent its spread.
The CM said preparations had been completed for the Sub-National Immunisation Campaign scheduled to be held from November 2 to 8, 2026, in selected districts of Punjab alongside other parts of the country. She said district health management teams, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and district administrations were personally monitoring the campaign to ensure its effective implementation.
The CM emphasised that although anti-polio efforts were yielding positive results, sustained and coordinated efforts were essential to prevent the disease from returning. She urged every parent and member of the community to play their role in building a healthy society and ensuring a polio-free future for children.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
