Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to completely eliminate polio from the country.
During a meeting with Dr. Chris Elias, President of the Global Development Program at the Gates Foundation, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s comprehensive strategy and ongoing practical measures to combat the disease.
Expressing gratitude for the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Saudi Arabia, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that while significant progress has been made, emergency measures remain crucial to fully eradicate polio.
He noted that the federal government is working closely with provincial authorities to ensure that polio vaccination teams can reach every area of the country. Relevant projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) for the polio eradication campaign will continue nationwide.
Dr. Chris Elias praised the Prime Minister’s personal involvement and acknowledged Pakistan’s effective steps toward complete polio eradication. He said ongoing consultations with federal and provincial governments, as well as relevant institutions, would continue to support the campaign’s success.
Pakistan has witnessed a significant decline in polio cases in 2025, offering hope to health authorities for further progress in 2026. According to recent figures, the country reported 30 polio cases last year. This marks a steep drop from 74 cases in 2024, showing nearly a 60 percent reduction nationwide. Officials say the decrease is the result of intensified vaccination campaigns and improved coordination under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
The distribution of cases across the country shows a mixed picture. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest number with 19 cases. Sindh followed with nine cases. Both Balochistan and Punjab reported no cases, with Balochistan showing major improvement compared to the 27 cases recorded in 2024. Despite these gains, experts warn that poliovirus continues to circulate in high-risk areas. These regions include the Quetta Block, which covers Quetta, Chaman, and Pishin, the Karachi Division, and the Peshawar–Khyber Corridor. In these areas, vaccination is challenging due to population movement, difficult terrain, and limited access
