Islamabad:Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the formulation of a comprehensive and coordinated strategy, in consultation with all four provinces, within a week to eradicate polio from the country. He emphasized the need for close collaboration with provinces and a joint strategy involving all stakeholders to ensure the complete eradication of polio from Pakistan.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister chaired a review meeting on polio eradication, expressing concern over recent polio cases and calling for intensified efforts and an improved strategy to combat the disease. He directed the Federal Minister for National Health Services, Minister of State, Federal Secretary for National Health, and members of the Polio Eradication Team to visit all provinces and hold meetings with respective Chief Ministers and Chief Secretaries.

The Prime Minister highlighted the challenge of achieving a polio-free Pakistan but underscored the nation's determination and resolve. He also called for improved routine immunization coverage, particularly in polio-affected and high-risk areas, and appreciated the commitment of frontline polio workers and law enforcement agencies in anti-polio campaigns.

The meeting revealed a new polio case in Khyber district, increasing this year's total to nine cases, with seven from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and two from Sindh. It was noted that cross-border movement from Afghanistan is a major factor in the spread of polio in Pakistan. Additionally, no new polio cases have been reported in Punjab, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan this year, and a decline in poliovirus detection in Sindh's environmental samples has been observed.

Efforts are being made to improve the security of polio teams and ensure better access to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's southern districts.