ISLAMABAD: A major countrywide polio immunisation campaign began on Monday, aiming to vaccinate more than 28 million children under the age of five across 99 districts.
According to the National Polio Eradication Programme, over 240,000 workers are taking part in this effort. The drive also extends to Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the federal capital. Officials have urged parents to ensure their children receive drops during every round to protect them from the virus.
Health experts have warned that the risk of polio is higher in flood-hit areas. They stressed that timely vaccinations and completion of routine immunisation schedules are critical to preventing outbreaks.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Health Department confirmed that the first phase of the campaign has already started across 19 districts, targeting 5.7 million children. The second phase will launch on September 15. So far this year, the province has reported 15 polio cases.
Two new polio cases from southern KP were also confirmed recently, bringing the national total to 23 in 2025. These include 15 from KP, six from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Gilgit Baltistan.
Polio remains a highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause permanent paralysis. The only protection is repeated doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) for every child under five. Officials emphasised that the ongoing countrywide polio immunisation campaign plays a vital role in safeguarding children.
Despite progress, the presence of new cases in southern KP is a serious concern. Experts say children in remote areas and families with low vaccine acceptance remain vulnerable.
The success of the countrywide polio immunisation effort depends on both health workers and communities. Parents and caregivers must actively support vaccination teams, complete routine immunisations, and help counter misinformation.
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