Our Correspondent
Karachi: “Every child vaccinated today brings Pakistan one step closer to a polio-free future,” said Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, during her visit to a school in District South Karachi on Tuesday as part of the ongoing polio booster dose campaign.
She interacted with children, teachers, parents, and frontline polio workers, and reviewed campaign activities aimed at strengthening immunity among children up to 10 years of age in selected Union Councils of Karachi from May 12 to May 24.
Speaking on the occasion, Ayesha Raza Farooq said Karachi’s dense population and constant movement of people make it essential to further strengthen children’s immunity against poliovirus through the booster dose campaign.
“The booster dose campaign is an important step towards protecting children and closing immunity gaps, especially among older age groups who can also carry and transmit the virus,” she said.
She urged parents to fully cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure all eligible children receive the booster dose during the campaign.
The PM’s Focal Person appreciated the dedication and hard work of frontline polio workers, supervisors, and social mobilisers participating in the campaign.
“Our frontline workers continue to serve communities with commitment and courage. Their efforts are critical in protecting children from lifelong disability,” she said. Ayesha Raza Farooq also acknowledged the support of schools, teachers, and education institutions for helping create awareness among parents and communities.
“The cooperation of schools and teachers is highly valuable in building trust and ensuring children receive protection against polio,” she added. Emergency Operations Centre Coordiantor Mr Inamul Haq was also present during the visit along with officials from the polio programme and partner organisations.
