Pakistan has launched a major Polio Vaccination campaign across 79 high-risk districts as part of national efforts to eliminate the poliovirus and protect children from lifelong disability.
The campaign was started through the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for Polio Eradication. Officials said the drive will continue from May 18 to May 24 across selected districts in the country.
According to authorities, nearly 19 million children under the age of five will receive polio drops during the campaign. More than 160,000 trained frontline workers will take part in the nationwide operation.
Health teams will go door-to-door to ensure every eligible child receives the oral vaccine. Officials described the vaccine as safe and effective in preventing paralysis caused by the poliovirus.
The latest Polio Vaccination drive is being conducted simultaneously in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Authorities said the joint effort reflects stronger coordination between the two neighboring countries to stop cross-border virus transmission.
Provincial data shared by officials showed that Punjab has 10 districts included in the campaign. Around 6.19 million children are expected to be vaccinated there.
In Sindh, the campaign covers 20 districts and aims to vaccinate nearly 5.79 million children. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 23 districts included, targeting around 4.61 million children.
Meanwhile, Balochistan has 25 districts participating in the campaign. Nearly 1.99 million children in the province are expected to receive polio drops. More than 460,000 children in Islamabad are also part of the drive.
Pakistan has made significant progress in its fight against polio over the years. When the eradication campaign began in 1994, the country recorded more than 20,000 cases annually.
Health authorities say vaccination campaigns, surveillance systems, and public health efforts have helped reduce the number of cases significantly. Pakistan reported 31 polio cases in 2025, while only three confirmed cases have been recorded so far in 2026.
Despite the progress, officials warned that the virus is still circulating silently in some areas. They stressed that continued Polio Vaccination efforts remain essential to completely eliminate the disease.
The National Emergency Operations Centre said every missed child increases the risk of virus transmission. Officials emphasized that repeated doses are important because they strengthen immunity against polio.
The government also acknowledged the support of international partners, including WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary International, and the Gates Foundation. Provincial governments, security officials, and local health workers are also participating in the campaign.
Parents and caregivers have been urged to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure all children under five receive polio drops during the week-long campaign.
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Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan through continued public cooperation and nationwide vaccination efforts.
