KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the National Immunization Days (NIDs) campaign for February 2025, reaffirming his government’s dedication to eradicating polio.

Administering polio drops to children at the launch event in CM House yesterday, he called for collective efforts to ensure every child is protected from the disease.  Addressing attendees, including health officials and law enforcement representatives, CM Murad emphasized that polio eradication is not merely a health initiative but a vital mission for Sindh’s children. “We are determined to ensure that no child in Sindh suffers from this entirely preventable disease,” he said, pledging to personally oversee the campaign’s progress. The vaccination drive, scheduled from February 3 to February 9, aims to immunize over 10.6 million children under the age of five across the province.  Murad Ali Shah underscored the urgency, pointing out that Pakistan remains one of the last two countries where polio is still present.

“In 2024, 22 of Pakistan’s 73 polio cases were reported in Sindh. The first case of 2025 has already been detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan, a stark reminder that the virus remains a real threat,” he noted. Environmental surveillance has also confirmed poliovirus presence in multiple areas across Sindh, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.  The CM lauded the dedication of Sindh’s 82,000 frontline polio workers, who go door-to-door under challenging conditions.

“These workers are the true heroes of this campaign. To ensure their safety, we have deployed 21,844 security personnel,” he announced, acknowledging the Sindh police’s role in safeguarding health teams. Sending a strong message against any resistance to the vaccination drive, he warned, “We have zero tolerance for any threats or obstruction against our polio teams. Anyone attempting to hinder this campaign will face strict legal action.”  He urged communities to support vaccination teams, reminding them that these workers are safeguarding children’s futures. To enhance accountability, the CM introduced a new performance scorecard developed by Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah to evaluate district-level efforts. High-performing districts will be recognized, while underperforming areas will be held accountable. He also called upon religious leaders, teachers, and community elders to encourage participation. “Open your doors to the polio teams.  Don’t let myths or misinformation endanger your child’s future,” he urged, stressing that the polio vaccine is safe, effective, and free of cost. “Even if a child has been vaccinated before, they need multiple doses to build strong immunity,” he said, encouraging parents to cooperate. Concluding his address, he reaffirmed his government’s determination to make Sindh and Pakistan polio-free. “Together, with our collective efforts, we will achieve this goal, fulfilling the vision initiated by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,” he said.