Pakistan commenced a comprehensive nationwide anti-polio vaccination campaign on Monday, covering Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. This large-scale effort aims to immunize tens of millions of children as part of the country’s intensified push to eliminate the paralytic disease.
The campaign is active in Lahore and nine additional districts of Punjab, 23 districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 25 districts in Balochistan, and 20 districts throughout Sindh. The duration of vaccination activities varies by region, ranging from four to seven days.
In Punjab, the polio control program announced that vaccination efforts will continue in nine districts until May 22, while Lahore’s campaign is scheduled to last until May 24. Districts such as Rawalpindi, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Multan, and Mianwali are also involved, with operations ongoing through May 22. Southern Punjab districts including Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Rahim Yar Khan will conclude their vaccination drives on the same date. Over 6.19 million children across Punjab are expected to receive polio drops during this campaign.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) confirmed that vaccination teams are working across 23 districts, targeting more than 4.6 million children. The campaign includes districts such as Peshawar, Bajaur, Lower Dir, Mohmand, Mardan, Nowshera, Kohat, Hangu, Karak, and Kurram. The campaign will run for seven days in Peshawar and the neighboring Khyber district, while other districts will have a four-day schedule.
Balochistan has launched a seven-day anti-polio campaign across 25 districts, aiming to vaccinate approximately 1.99 million children. Provincial coordinator Inam-ul-Haq noted that environmental samples have confirmed the presence of poliovirus in the province, although no new human cases have been reported in 2026 to date.
Meanwhile, health authorities in Sindh initiated a five-day campaign spanning 20 districts, seeking to immunize around 5.8 million children within 1,125 union councils.
Officials have urged parents to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine during this critical campaign, emphasizing that vaccination remains the sole effective safeguard against the disease.
In a significant development, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari commended the frontline health workers for their vital role in the eradication drive, highlighting the importance of their dedication and efforts.
Provincial governments reinforced their commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan through ongoing vaccination initiatives, enhanced monitoring, and active community engagement.
