Pakistan has launched a nationwide anti-polio vaccination campaign aimed at immunising millions of children under the age of five. The drive, coordinated by the Ministry of National Health Services and provincial health departments, is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate polio, a disease that continues to threaten children in certain high-risk areas of the country.
Health officials said the campaign will target urban and rural areas, including hard-to-reach and conflict-affected regions where polio vaccination coverage has historically been low. Teams of trained vaccinators, supported by local volunteers and community leaders, are going door-to-door to ensure that every eligible child receives the polio drops. Mobile teams are also being deployed to cover remote villages, refugee settlements, and border areas.
Officials emphasised that routine immunisation and supplementary vaccination campaigns remain critical tools in Pakistan’s fight against polio. Despite significant progress over the past decade, the country remains one of the few in the world where polio is still endemic. Recent reports have indicated sporadic cases in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan, underlining the importance of continued vigilance.
Community engagement is a key component of the campaign. Awareness programs are being conducted through mosques, schools, and local media to educate parents about the safety and importance of polio vaccines. Health authorities have urged parents to cooperate fully with vaccination teams to protect children from the crippling disease.
The government has also strengthened monitoring and surveillance mechanisms. Polio teams are equipped with digital tools to track coverage, identify missed children, and ensure accountability. Security measures have been enhanced in high-risk areas to protect vaccination workers, who have historically faced threats and attacks during such campaigns.
International organisations, including UNICEF and the World Health Organization, have praised Pakistan’s renewed efforts and are providing technical and logistical support. Experts note that successful implementation of the campaign could bring the country closer to eradicating polio and prevent potential outbreaks.
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