Dr. Shahzad Baig has been recognized in Time Magazine’s prestigious ‘100 Most Influential People in Health’ list for his pivotal role in the ongoing battle against polio in Pakistan. As the coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication, Dr. Shahzad Baig has been at the forefront of efforts to combat this highly infectious disease, which primarily affects children under the age of five.
Polio, caused by the poliovirus, poses a significant threat, invading the nervous system and potentially leading to paralysis or death. While there is currently no cure for polio, vaccination stands as the most effective measure to safeguard children from its debilitating effects.
Under Dr. Shahzad Baig’s leadership, there has been a remarkable decline in polio cases in Pakistan. In 2019, polio afflicted or claimed the lives of 147 individuals in the country. However, since assuming his role, only six cases were reported in 2023, with the ambitious goal of reducing this number to zero by 2026.
Despite facing targeted attacks on polio workers between 2012 and 2016, resulting in the loss of 200 lives, Dr. Shahzad Baig remains resolute in his determination to overcome such challenges. He declared an end to the reign of extremists hindering polio eradication efforts.
Acknowledging Dr. Baig’s leadership, Time Magazine highlighted the government’s deployment of 400,000 vaccinators and 80,000 security personnel to immunize over 90 million children in 2024, with an additional 24 million targeted in a forthcoming spring vaccination campaign.
Prior to his tenure in Pakistan, Dr. Shahzad Baig played a crucial role as a technical adviser in Nigeria’s successful polio eradication campaign, resulting in the country’s certification as polio-free in 2020. Time Magazine predicts that under Dr. Baig’s guidance, Pakistan could be the next nation to achieve this milestone.
Expressing pride in his recognition, Dr. Shahzad Baig attributed his success to the dedication of polio workers operating under challenging conditions to free the nation from this debilitating disease.
