ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal announced on Thursday that Pakistan has recorded a remarkable 99 per cent decline in polio cases, marking a major milestone in the country’s public health efforts.
Speaking at the joint session of the Gavi Board and the Polio Oversight Board (POB), the minister represented the Government of Pakistan and presented an update on the nation’s progress in eradicating the crippling disease.
He reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to eradicating polio, calling it a top national health priority.
“The Prime Minister himself chairs monthly reviews to track progress and ensure accountability,” Kamal stated.
He credited the frontline health workers, collaborative strategies, and consistent international support for the sharp reduction in reported cases.
Aggressive Outreach to Zero-Dose Children
Highlighting the efforts to reach the most vulnerable, the minister said mobile biker teams have been deployed to serve nomadic and remote populations.
He stressed that identifying and vaccinating zero-dose children — those who have never received a vaccine — is critical to achieving full coverage.
“The drop in cases is evidence of our data-driven planning and targeted outreach strategies,” Kamal added.He underlined the importance of aligning polio campaigns with routine immunisation efforts under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).
The integration has significantly boosted immunisation rates and improved efficiency on the ground.
Call for Continued Global Support
The health minister urged international partners, especially Gavi and the Polio Oversight Board, to maintain their financial and technical support.
He noted that ongoing investments were essential for the training, retention, and deployment of qualified vaccinators across the country.
“Our success so far is a result of sustained partnerships, and we cannot afford to lose momentum now,” he emphasized.
According to official figures, only 11 polio cases have been reported in 2025 so far.
This is a dramatic drop from 74 cases in 2024 and six cases in 2023.
The consistent downward trend underscores Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio once and for all.
