The nationwide polio eradication campaign kicks off today

A nationwide polio eradication campaign began today across the country, with a target to vaccinate over 44.7 million children under the age of five. The seven-day campaign will continue until December 22, aiming to protect children from the polio virus and prevent its spread.

The campaign is being launched in 143 districts nationwide, with a special focus on areas experiencing an increase in recent polio cases. Health authorities have set ambitious vaccination targets for each province: In Punjab, 23.3 million children across 36 districts will receive the polio vaccine. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) aims to vaccinate 7.2 million children in 36 districts, while Sindh’s target is 10.6 million children in 30 districts. In Balochistan, 2.6 million children across 36 districts will be vaccinated.

In addition to these regions, over 800,000 children in the federal capital, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan will also receive polio vaccination during the campaign.

The surge in recent polio cases has raised concerns, prompting the government to take swift action. Health officials are emphasising the importance of ensuring every child is vaccinated to halt the virus’s spread and to work towards a polio-free Pakistan.

The government, along with health departments, has mobilised thousands of vaccinators, who will visit homes, communities, and healthcare facilities to deliver the essential polio vaccine. This initiative is part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to eradicate polio and protect future generations from the debilitating disease.