ISLAMABAD
\nThe Government of Pakistan, through the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for Polio Eradication, has launched a Sub-National Polio Vaccination Campaign across 79 selected high-risk districts.The drive was launched as part of intensified national efforts to stop poliovirus transmission and protect millions of children from lifelong paralysis.
\nRunning from 18\u201324 May, the campaign aims to vaccinate approximately 19 million children under the age of five through administration of the safe and effective oral polio vaccine. More than 160,000 trained frontline workers will fan out across the country, going door-to-door to ensure every eligible child receives lifesaving protection.
\nThe campaign is being implemented simultaneously in Pakistan and Afghanistan, reflecting strengthened cross-border coordination and a shared commitment to ending poliovirus transmission in one of the world\u2019s last remaining endemic regions.
\nProvincial coverage includes 10 districts in Punjab, where 6.19 million children will be vaccinated, 20 districts in Sindh, targeting 5.79 million children, 23 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reaching 4.61 million children, and 25 districts in Balochistan, where 1.99 million children will receive polio drops. In Islamabad, more than 460,000 children are also being targeted during the campaign.
\nPakistan\u2019s fight against polio has come a long way. When the national eradication effort began in 1994, the country reported more than 20,000 cases annually.
\nThrough decades of sustained vaccination campaigns, strengthened surveillance systems and coordinated public health action, the country has dramatically reduced the burden of disease. The progress continues to show results. Pakistan recorded 31 cases in 2025, while only three confirmed cases have been reported so far in 2026 – a significant decline that reflects the country\u2019s momentum toward eradication.
\nHowever, health authorities warn that the virus continues to circulate silently in some areas, making sustained vaccination efforts essential. \u201cPakistan stands at a decisive moment in its journey toward a polio-free future,\u201d the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) said. \u201cWhile progress has been encouraging, every missed child remains an opportunity for the virus to survive and spread.\u201d
\nHealth authorities emphasized that repeated vaccination remains critical because each dose strengthens a child\u2019s immunity and helps stop transmission, particularly in high-risk and mobile populations. The Government of Pakistan acknowledged the continued support of Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners \u2014 including WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary International and the Gates Foundation \u2014 alongside provincial governments, frontline workers, security personnel, community leaders and local partners whose collective efforts remain central to reaching every child.
\nParents and caregivers have been urged to welcome vaccination teams into their homes and ensure all children under five receive polio drops during the campaign. The National Emergency Operations Centre reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan through sustained action, stronger outreach and collective responsibility.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD The Government of Pakistan, through the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for Polio Eradication, has launched a Sub-National Polio Vaccination Campaign across 79 selected high-risk districts.The drive was launched as part of intensified national efforts to stop poliovirus transmission and protect millions of children from lifelong paralysis. Running from 18\u201324 May, the campaign aims […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":525739,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-547236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n