Islamabad, Apr 21, 2025: Starting Monday, a week-long nationwide campaign to combat polio is underway across Pakistan. This extensive immunization effort will see dedicated healthcare teams visiting homes to administer polio drops to over 45 million children below the age of five.
The initiative was formally launched a day earlier by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore, where he personally gave polio drops to children as a symbolic gesture of the government’s resolve against the disease.
This marks the second national polio eradication campaign of the year.
Running from April 21 to 27, the drive spans every province and region of the country.
Over 400,000 male and female health professionals have been mobilized to ensure full coverage and protection of young children.
In Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah kickstarted the campaign at CM House, calling on parents to cooperate.
He stressed, “Polio has no treatment. Only consistent vaccination can prevent our children from being paralyzed for life.” Karachi alone targets 2.76 million children, with more than 5,000 security officers ensuring the safety of the vaccinators.
In Hyderabad, District Health Officer Dr. Lala Jaffar inaugurated the campaign at Khadija Hospital in Latifabad Unit 8.
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Aiming to immunize 483,700 children, the campaign deploys 1,550 mobile units, 163 permanent centers, 83 transit teams, and 18 evening squads. He warned, “All refusals will be addressed with strict follow-up.”
Meanwhile, Tando Allahyar’s five-day campaign, from April 21 to 25, is being overseen by Deputy Commissioner Noor Mustafa Leghari. He assured that all 560 teams—mobile, fixed, and transit—are fully equipped, and any lapse in duty will not be tolerated. “Eradicating polio is a collective responsibility,” he said.
In Balochistan, the campaign aims to reach 2.66 million children, supported by 11,000 healthcare teams. However, in North Waziristan, the operation will begin on April 22 due to a temporary curfew.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) urged parents to welcome vaccination teams, highlighting that “every additional dose boosts a child’s immunity.” The EOC reported significant reductions in the virus, proving the success of consistent efforts.
Pakistan’s comprehensive drive against polio showcases its unwavering determination to eliminate the disease and protect future generations.
