Rotary International holds bicycle rally for polio-free Pakistan

On World Polio Day observed globally today, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari reiterated Pakistan's dedication to becoming a polio-free nation, where every child can thrive in good health, shielded from this easily preventable disease. In a message released on Friday, she paid tribute to the courageous frontline polio workers, especially women vaccinators, who navigate challenging conditions to reach children and emphasized that their hard work deserves utmost respect and support.

"The security personnel who safeguard vaccination teams also play a vital role," she stated, warning that any attacks on these individuals must not discourage us from this nationwide endeavor. She acknowledged that while Pakistan has made significant strides in the battle against polio, the task remains unfinished. "Every child who skips a vaccination remains at risk," she stressed, urging the assurance that no child should be left behind, particularly in areas where reaching families proves difficult.

She affirmed that achieving a polio-free Pakistan is within reach, but it will necessitate continuous effort and the active involvement of everyone. Rotary International has pledged its steadfast support for Pakistan's endeavors to curb the spread of the wild poliovirus within the country. The President of Rotary International, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria's eradication efforts on Africa's path to wild poliovirus-free certification in 2020, stated, "We have contributed over $3 billion, including $1.3 million from Rotary members in Pakistan, and have invested more than half a billion of these funds and innumerable volunteer hours to protect more than 45 million children in Pakistan from this debilitating disease."

Babalola further noted, "Africa's success underscores that with cooperation and financial and political backing, eradicating polio in Pakistan and globally is achievable." Rotary members also champion government backing and raise awareness about polio immunization, a crucial aspect in Pakistan, as vaccine refusals persist as a hurdle to reaching every child.

"Pakistan has demonstrated commendable progress, with only a handful of reported cases this year," said Aziz Memon, chair of Rotary's Pakistan National PolioPlus Committee. "To preserve our credibility and maintain trust, we will persist in addressing other community concerns."