ISLAMABAD: A high-level review session was held in Quetta to assess and strengthen Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio, with a renewed focus on public engagement and intergovernmental cooperation.
The meeting was jointly chaired by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, with key provincial and federal health officials also in attendance.
Chief Minister Bugti emphasized that Balochistan’s vision of becoming polio-free can only be realized through the active consent and cooperation of the local population.
He noted that public awareness, trust, and participation remain the cornerstones of a successful immunization campaign.
Migration Poses a Major Challenge
Addressing one of the most persistent issues, the Chief Minister pointed out that both internal and international migration are hampering progress in completely eliminating the poliovirus.
He stressed the need for cross-border and interprovincial coordination to monitor and vaccinate moving populations, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Chief Minister Bugti called for enhanced data-sharing and operational synchronization among relevant departments and partner agencies.
Federal Support Reaffirmed
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal commended the provincial government’s continued commitment to polio eradication.
He reiterated the federal government’s resolve to work closely with Balochistan and other provinces to achieve the national goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar also participated in the session and underscored the importance of field-level coordination to make each anti-polio drive more effective and community-driven.
The meeting concluded with the decision to scale up communication efforts, improve mobile vaccination teams’ outreach, and establish joint monitoring units at provincial borders.
