A nationwide week-long anti-polio vaccination campaign commenced on Monday, aiming to immunize over 45 million children under the age of five. Health department teams are conducting door-to-door visits across the country to administer the vital oral polio vaccine.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially inaugurated the campaign on Sunday in Lahore by personally administering vaccine drops to children. This marks Pakistan’s second nationwide polio drive of the year, running from April 21 to 27, with the participation of more than 400,000 male and female health workers across all provinces.
In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah launched the campaign at the Chief Minister’s House, urging parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine. He stressed that “polio has no cure, and only prevention through vaccination can protect children from permanent disability.” The Karachi campaign targets 2.76 million children, with over 5,000 security personnel deployed to ensure the safety of polio teams.
Hyderabad also kicked off its campaign at Government Hospital Khadija in Latifabad Unit 8, where District Health Officer Dr. Lala Jaffar said 483,700 children will be vaccinated through 1,550 mobile, 163 fixed, 83 transit, and 18 evening teams. He emphasized strict follow-up in cases of refusal.
In Tando Allahyar, a five-day campaign began on April 21. Deputy Commissioner Noor Mustafa Leghari affirmed that all 560 vaccination teams—mobile, fixed, and transit—are fully equipped, and that negligence will not be tolerated. “Polio eradication is a national responsibility,” he said.
In Balochistan, 11,000 teams are engaged in vaccinating 2.66 million children. Meanwhile, in North Waziristan, the campaign was postponed due to a curfew and is now scheduled to start on April 22. According to District Health Officer Dr. Kaleem Ullah, all preparations for security and logistics are complete.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has appealed to parents to cooperate with vaccination teams, stating that every additional dose helps boost a child’s immunity. The EOC also noted a marked reduction in the presence of the poliovirus thanks to sustained immunization efforts.
This coordinated campaign underscores Pakistan’s dedication to eradicating polio and ensuring a healthier future for its children.
