ISLAMABAD, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that the country is committed to protecting children from polio disease and securing a healthy future for Pakistan.

"Ending polio is not just a public health goal, it is a national responsibility that must be achieved without failure," the prime minister said while addressing a ceremony held in connection with World Polio Day.

Highlighting the service of polio workers, Sharif said that owing to the vaccinators and concerted efforts of the Pakistani government and partners, since 1994, Pakistan has reduced polio cases from an estimated 20,000 annual cases to 74 in 2024 and 30 so far this year.

The prime minister said that Pakistan must run the last mile to eradicate polio, calling on parents to ensure that their children receive vaccines. ■