Massive Campaign to Target Millions of Children
Punjab is set to launch a province-wide polio eradication campaign starting February 2. The initiative will run for seven days in Lahore and four days in other districts. Over 200,000 health workers and volunteers will participate, aiming to vaccinate more than 17.8 million children.
Officials are therefore stressing thorough outreach to protect all children across Pakistan, while the drive simultaneously targets complete coverage, with particular focus on high-risk regions and displaced populations.
Officials Stress Parental Support and Community Involvement
Uzma Kardar, Chief Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, stated that the campaign is a national responsibility. She stressed that parental trust and active media support are critical to the program’s success. Awareness efforts will continue alongside vaccination drives to encourage families to participate fully.
Adeel Tasawur, head of the Polio Eradication Programme, highlighted recent progress in the fight against polio. He noted that Pakistan is in the final stage of polio eradication, with five out of six environmental sampling sites in Lahore testing negative for the virus. These results underscore the effectiveness of ongoing vaccination efforts.
Micro-Planning and Frontline Preparedness to Ensure Full Coverage
Health authorities are employing data-driven micro-planning and close monitoring to ensure that no child is missed. Community dialogue teams will work in coordination with fully trained frontline workers to reach children in remote or underserved areas.
The drive also includes an awareness campaign to counter misinformation by actively engaging with local leaders and the general public. Furthermore, authorities are confident that the combined efforts of health workers, parents, and the media will significantly contribute to achieving the goal of a successful campaign. Additionally, continuous collaboration and outreach are expected to ensure that the message reaches every community effectively.
With continuous monitoring, strategic planning, and strong community involvement, Punjab aims to move closer to the nationwide goal of a polio-free Pakistan. Authorities are encouraging families to participate actively and ensure that every eligible child receives the polio vaccine.
