Polio campaign launched in 97 high-risk districts across country

Polio campaign launched in 97 high-risk districts across country

ISLAMABAD: The third sub-national polio vaccination campaign of 2026, targeting 97 high-risk districts across the country, was launched on Friday. Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal inaugurated the campaign at the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication, where he administered the first polio drops of the drive. The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) launched the campaign to protect approximately 24 million children from Nov 2 to 8 in 97 high-risk districts across the country. The drive is part of intensified efforts to stop poliovirus transmission and protect children from lifelong paralysis. It will be the fifth large-scale campaign of 2026 and the third sub-national drive, mobilising more than 200,000 frontline polio workers. It will be conducted simultaneously in Pakistan and Afghanistan with strong cross-border coordination. With the help of the polio vaccine and the efforts of hundreds of thousands of polio workers, Pakistan has reduced polio cases by 99.8pc since the launch of its national eradication programme in 1994. The number of cases has fallen from an estimated 20,000 to 31 in 2025 and seven so far this year. Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Kamal highlighted the continued threat posed by poliovirus to children’s health and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating the disease. “Polio eradication remains a national priority, and we are committed to sustaining our efforts until poliovirus transmission is interrupted across the country. The November campaign will target approximately 24 million children in 97 selected districts, with a focus on strengthening vaccination coverage and ensuring that every eligible child is protected,” he said. Highlighting the challenges in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said, “Polio transmission in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains a key concern, requiring targeted interventions, stronger coordination and sustained vaccination efforts. “The federal government is working closely with the provincial government, district administrations and relevant stakeholders to address security and access challenges and ensure that every child in the affected areas receives polio vaccination during the upcoming campaign.” He urged parents and caregivers to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure that every child under five received polio drops. “Polio teams must be able to reach every child, and no child should be left behind. “Our vaccination teams visit your homes to protect your children, so please welcome them and ensure that every child under five receives polio drops, which are safe and effective,” he added. Polio has no cure and can cause lifelong paralysis or even death. It is therefore essential that every child under five receives two drops of the oral polio vaccine during each vaccination campaign. The vaccine is prequalified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and has been safely used in 195 countries. Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026