Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that his country is steadfast in the efforts to become polio-free, ensuring a future where no child is affected by this preventable disease, the Prime Minister's office said in a statement on Thursday.

In his message on World Polio Day, which falls on Thursday, Sharif said the Pakistani government stands with the global community to eradicate polio from the country, according to the statement.

Sharif said that due to the tireless work of health workers and international partners like the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Pakistan has made significant progress in reducing polio cases.

He said that despite the progress, challenges such as security concerns, misinformation, and difficulties in reaching remote areas persist. However, the health workers continue to show remarkable bravery, working tirelessly to ensure that every child receives vaccination, despite these obstacles.

"We are improving health infrastructure, increasing vaccine coverage, and combating misinformation through our National Emergency Action Plan. Our regional collaboration, especially with Afghanistan, is vital to controlling cross-border transmission," he added.

This fight is about more than polio, it is about building a robust public health system and safeguarding the health of future generations, he said.

The prime minister also urged parents to vaccinate their children and call on community leaders to spread the message of polio eradication.

According to the WHO, Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two nations where polio is still endemic.

Pakistan has recorded 40 polio cases from various regions this year, according to the National Institute of Health. Throughout the year, vaccination campaigns have been conducted across the country in an effort to eradicate the disease.