ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday reiterated the commitment of his government to vaccinate all children and make Pakistan a polio free country.
The premier expressed the commitment while addressing the steering committee on polio eradication in Islamabad on Wednesday. The meeting reviewed anti-polio measures and future strategy to eradicate polio from the county.
In his address, the prime minister said that any laxity or negligence in this regard shall be considered as crime against our future generations.
Sharif said that he has instructed all the provinces to take this matter with seriousness. He said that it is the future of our children that is at stake and we must protect them.
Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan shares the concerns of international community on polio but it should also understand our issues.
“We face challenges like inaccessibility, terrorism and misconception in tribal areas about the campaign,” he said.
The prime minister said that Pakistan has faced many problems in the anti-polio drive as the frontline health workers have been targeted by the militants.
“We are also ensuring polio vaccination of international travelers in compliance with international health regulations,” Sharif said.
Sharif said that he is personally monitoring the anti-polio campaign and getting fortnightly briefings.
