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Pakistan's First Lady Vows Polio-Free Future
24 Oct
Summary
- First Lady reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to polio eradication.
- Rotary International pledges over $3 billion to global polio efforts.
- Frontline health workers and security personnel are vital to the campaign.
On World Polio Day, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari has renewed Pakistan's pledge to achieve a polio-free nation. She acknowledged the vital role of frontline polio workers, particularly women vaccinators, and the security forces protecting them, emphasizing that attacks should not derail the national effort to protect children from this preventable disease.
Pakistan has made substantial progress in combating polio, yet the First Lady stressed that the fight is not over, as unvaccinated children remain at risk. She called for sustained effort and participation to ensure no child is left behind, especially in hard-to-reach communities.
Rotary International has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan's polio eradication initiatives. Rotary International President Olayinka Hakeem Babalola noted the organization's contribution of over $3 billion globally, with $1.3 million from Pakistani Rotary members, to protect millions of children. He cited Africa's success in becoming wild poliovirus-free as proof that ending polio in Pakistan and worldwide is achievable through collaboration.
Aziz Memon, chair of Rotary's Pakistan National PolioPlus Committee, highlighted Pakistan's significant progress with few reported cases this year. Rotary members continue to advocate for government support and raise awareness about immunisation, addressing obstacles like vaccine refusals to ensure all children are reached.
