Bureau Report
LAHORE :Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her message on World Polio Day, reaffirmed commitment to complete eradication of polio from Punjab, calling frontline polio workers national heroes.
“Alhamdulillah, Punjab is polio-free,” she said, adding no case has been reported in the province so far this year. She urged parents to cooperate fully with polio teams, saying refusal to vaccinate denies children a better future.
The Chief Minister said polio drops are safe, effective and vital, and appealed to parents to ensure children under five receive two drops in every campaign.
She said over 10 million children under five were vaccinated in 13 high-risk districts in recent drives, with regular campaigns also underway in Lahore and other districts. Preparations are complete for the Sub-National Polio Campaign from Nov 2-8, 2026 in selected districts alongside the nationwide campaign.
Environmental samples are being continuously tested to monitor virus spread, while District Health Management Teams, WHO, UNICEF and administration are directly monitoring the drive through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre and Health Department.
Warning that polio could return without sustained efforts, Maryam Nawaz stressed full cooperation of parents and society is essential to protect children and build a healthy, polio-free Punjab.
