ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of the country’s Polio Eradication Programme on Tuesday signed an agreement to work together to create awareness about polio and work on its eradication.

Pakistan, along with neighboring Afghanistan, is just one of two countries in the world where polio remains endemic. This year, 80 new polio cases have been reported so far, including 23 in Balochistan, 22 each in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, and 13 in Punjab.

“Cricketers, as national heroes are role models for the children and youth of Pakistan,” Dr. Rana Muhammad Safdar, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Center for Polio Eradication, said in a statement. “I am glad that they are now formally part of our national mission of polio eradication. Through this partnership cricketers will play an instrumental role in promoting vaccine acceptance.”

“I believe our collective efforts will help to achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan,” he added.

PCB Chairperson Ehsan Mani and CEO Wasim Khan assured full support of the Pakistan Cricket Board and its associate and affiliate members, including the Pakistan National Cricket Team players and officials to the government of Pakistan.

“The PCB is excited to play its role in the aspiration to have a polio-free Pakistan,” Wasim Khan said. “The fight against polio starts with greater awareness and promoting a culture of vaccine acceptance. Protecting our society and keeping our children safe from polio remains our collective responsibility.”