Cricketer Sajid Khan Advocates for Continued Polio Vaccination in Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: During a recent public awareness event, renowned Test cricketer Sajid Khan, along with a senior official from the Rawalpindi district administration, called on parents to vaccinate their children against polio in every campaign until the disease is eradicated from Pakistan. This urgent message comes as the country continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the poliovirus, which can lead to lifelong paralysis and has no cure other than preventive vaccination.

Sajid Khan, an active supporter of the polio eradication initiative, emphasized the critical importance of immunization. "I will keep visiting fellow Pakistanis to remind them of their responsibility. Until Pakistan is polio-free, I will stand with this mission," Khan stated. He further highlighted that polio workers, who are often from the very communities they serve, are dedicated to ensuring children receive the vaccine, which is the only safeguard against this debilitating disease.

The Rawalpindi district official echoed Khan's sentiments, stressing that every vaccination counts. "Missing even one child can endanger others," he warned, urging parents to understand the severity of polio, which can cause permanent disability. Despite progress in vaccination efforts, Pakistan remains one of the last two countries where wild poliovirus transmission continues, primarily due to unvaccinated children in high-risk areas.

Environmental samples and sporadic detection of the virus further confirm the ongoing threat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects children under five. It invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours. In severe cases, it can lead to death if the respiratory muscles are affected. The only prevention is through repeated oral vaccination, which is safe and effective. It is crucial for children to receive multiple doses to ensure complete protection.

The government, alongside international partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating polio. The support from public figures like Sajid Khan plays a vital role in fostering public trust and raising awareness. The campaign's effectiveness hinges on the collective responsibility of communities to protect their children from this disease.

Challenges persist, however, as the focus must remain on reaching every child in high-risk areas. The government has implemented rigorous measures to ensure that vaccination campaigns continue without interruption, even in the face of recent security concerns and misinformation.

In conclusion, the call from Sajid Khan and government officials underscores the urgent need for parents to participate in every vaccination campaign. The road to a polio-free Pakistan is long, but with continued effort and community engagement, the goal can be achieved. Parents are urged to take this responsibility seriously, as the health and future of their children depend on it. The vaccination campaigns are not just about individual health but are a vital part of the collective effort to eradicate polio from the country once and for all.