Karachi, Pakistan, October 24, 2024 : First Lady of Pakistan and MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, a vocal advocate for polio eradication and daughter of the former Prime Minister Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, has called upon the nation to unite in the ongoing battle against polio. With 39 confirmed cases and 402 positive environmental samples of polio recorded in 2024 alone, the First Lady stresses that the stakes have never been higher for the health and future of Pakistan’s children.
“For over two decades, polio has remained a grave threat to the future of our children. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we rally together to protect them through sustained and consistent vaccination efforts,” Aseefa Bhutto Zardari stated. “Our long-standing fight against polio has gone on for far too long, and it is only through collective action that we can achieve the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.”
The resurgence of polio in areas like Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has underscored the urgency of the situation. Despite three years of progress, where Sindh reported no new cases of polio from June 2021 to June 2023, the virus has once again reared its head. In response, the government has initiated renewed vaccination drives aimed at halting the spread and protecting the lives of millions of children under the age of five.
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari praised the tireless efforts of polio and Lady health workers across the country, who are often the unsung heroes in this battle. “Their unwavering commitment to reach every child with the life-saving polio vaccine is remarkable. It is their dedication that has allowed us to make strides in the fight against this crippling disease, but our work is far from over.”
In addition to vaccination, she emphasized the need for comprehensive support in high-risk areas. “Vaccination alone is not enough,” she said. “The Sindh government has made significant investments to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, establish model EPI centers, and enhance mother and child healthcare services. These efforts address the root causes of polio transmission, improving both the health of our children and the quality of our healthcare system.”
Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also paid tribute to her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who was a staunch supporter of the polio eradication program during her tenure as Prime Minister in 1988 and 1993. “Her legacy continues to inspire us,” Aseefa said. “My siblings and I were the first children to be vaccinated during the national campaign. She believed in the power of vaccines to protect future generations, and we must carry that belief forward.”
As the fight against polio enters a critical phase, Aseefa urges the public to continue supporting vaccination campaigns and the dedicated polio workers leading the charge. “The polio vaccine is safe, effective, and our strongest defense against this preventable disease. While polio has no cure, it can be entirely eradicated through vaccination. Together, we can make a polio-free Pakistan a reality.”
