Pakistan has launched a nationwide anti-polio campaign aiming to vaccinate over 45 million children under the age of five, marking the third round of National Immunisation Days in the country.
The campaign was inaugurated at the National Emergency Operations Centre in Islamabad by the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, alongside representatives from partner organizations. She administered oral polio vaccines and Vitamin A drops to children as part of the launch.
Scheduled to begin on May 26, the week-long drive is part of the government’s strategic effort to eliminate poliovirus transmission by the end of 2025. Farooq said the campaign forms a core component of the national “2-4-6 roadmap” to close immunity gaps and prevent outbreaks ahead of the high transmission season.
While traditional hotspots like Karachi, South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Quetta Block remain challenging, officials reported progress in reaching underserved populations. Around 400,000 frontline workers, including 225,000 women, will take part in the campaign with logistical support from civil and military forces.
Despite gains, Pakistan has reported 10 polio cases so far in 2025. Environmental surveillance also revealed the presence of poliovirus in 272 sewage samples across 68 districts.
UNICEF Representative Abdullah Fadil, speaking at the launch, commended Pakistan’s leadership and reaffirmed confidence in the country’s ability to achieve eradication. As he prepares to leave his post, he said Pakistan is closer than ever to becoming polio-free.
