ISLAMABAD: Pakistan officially launches its first National Polio Eradication Campaign of 2026, reinforcing the country’s commitment to ending the disease. The campaign was inaugurated at the Rawal Town Dispensary in Islamabad with strong support from government officials and international partners.
Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, formally launched the campaign by administering polio drops alongside the Canadian High Commissioner, Tariq Ali Khan. She emphasized that just two drops of the vaccine can save a child’s life and called on the nation to take collective responsibility in supporting polio teams.
Ayesha Raza Farooq highlighted the crucial role of parents, teachers, religious scholars, and citizens in ensuring the campaign’s success. “This campaign cannot succeed without public trust and participation,” she said, stressing the importance of community involvement in reaching every child.
The Canadian High Commissioner reiterated Canada’s commitment to assisting Pakistan in its fight against polio. He urged focused efforts on high-risk areas and proper support for vaccination teams, hoping Pakistan would soon join the ranks of polio-free countries.
During the campaign, authorities aim to vaccinate over 45 million children across Pakistan. Provincial targets include more than 23 million in Punjab, over 16 million in Sindh, 7.2 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and 2.6 million in Balochistan. Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir will cover over 460,000, 228,000, and 760,000 children respectively. High-risk areas will be prioritized to ensure maximum coverage and effectiveness.
In other news read more about Why Is Pakistan Skipping India? ICC Breaks Silence on T20 World Cup Clash
The 2026 campaign marks a renewed push to eradicate polio nationwide. Officials say the combined efforts of strong government leadership, international support, and nationwide mobilization bring Pakistan closer than ever to becoming polio-free. This campaign launches another crucial chapter in the fight against the virus, safeguarding millions of children across the country.
