ISLAMABAD, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed the country's commitment to eradicating polio, pledging to continue efforts until the crippling disease is completely eliminated.
In a message marking World Polio Day, Sharif said Pakistan remained among the few countries still striving to achieve complete polio eradication, stressing the need for collective action and sustained efforts to protect children from the preventable disease.
Despite difficult terrain and security challenges, frontline workers continue to administer vaccines and raise public awareness, Sharif said, adding that ensuring every child has access to polio vaccination remains a national priority.
He called on government institutions, community representatives, religious leaders, teachers, the media, parents and caregivers to work together to build public trust and achieve full vaccination coverage across the country.
Sharif also appreciated the support of the international community, particularly the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and donor organizations, saying their contributions remained vital to ending poliovirus transmission and securing a healthy future for children.
Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries where wild poliovirus transmission has not been interrupted. ■
