RAWALPINDI: Prominent Pakistani cricketers Imamul Haq and off-spinner Sajid Khan have appealed parents to keep vaccinating their children against polio until the virus is completely eradicated from Pakistan and Afghanistan. They made their appeal during the launch of the Sub-National Immunization Days (SNIDs) in Rawalpindi held at a local hotel. Punjab is targeting nearly 23.3 million children in the ongoing polio vaccination drive, which began on Dec16. The initiative aims to boost children’s immunity against polio, especially in the light of the increase in detection of polio virus in the sewer. The provincial government has placed a special focus on combating polio as it is rapidly spreading. This year, Punjab has reported one confirmed polio case, and environmental samples indicating the presence of the virus in sewer has spiked in major cities. The government is fully aware of the virus’s potential impact on the country’s most populous province and remains steadfast in its commitment to vaccinating every child. Sajid Khan, who recently played a key role in Pakistan’s victory in test series against England, emphasized the urgency of polio eradication, urging continued vigilance to prevent its spread. “Polio eradication must remain a top priority. We need to maintain the highest level of vigilance to keep polio at bay,” said the Peshawar-born cricketer. He also expressed his commitment to supporting polio eradication efforts, stating that ensuring no child suffers from polio-induced paralysis would be one of his top priorities. Imam-ul-Haq also acknowledged the critical role of vaccination teams, highlighting their dedication in going door-to-door to protect the health of children. “The teams are working with a single purpose: safeguarding the our children against the virus,” he said. Chief Minister’s Focal Person on Polio, Ms Uzma Kardar, praised the national cricketers for their support in this important cause. She emphasised that skipping polio vaccination could make children more vulnerable to the virus. “The cricketers’ involvement in polio eradication efforts will help create a more conducive environment for the vaccination teams,” she said. Dr Asif Arbab Khan, District Health Authority Chief Executive Officer, reassured that the district is focused on delivering high-quality vaccination campaigns, ensuring accessibility and effective communication to reach all children under five. He stressed the importance of vaccinating 100pc of children to achieve community immunity and prevent the virus from re-circulating. “To achieve this, local communities must trust the vaccination programme and be reassured that the vaccines are safe for their children,” he added. To achieve this ambitious goal, over 200,000 mobile and transit vaccination teams have been deployed across Punjab. These teams play a crucial role in delivering vaccines directly at doorsteps, while also addressing concerns and building trust within communities to ensure maximum coverage.