Islamabad, May 21, 2025: Pakistan will launch its third nationwide polio campaign on May 26 , aiming to vaccinate 45.4 million children under the age of five.
This announcement was made by Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, who emphasized the importance of collective efforts to protect future generations from permanent disability.
“The fight against polio has required tremendous sacrifice from all stakeholders including law enforcement personnel who have rendered invaluable services,” Minister Kamal noted in a statement issued by the ministry.
“This mission will continue until we reach complete eradication,” he emphasized.
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According to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), two new polio cases have recently been confirmed in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bringing the total number of cases reported across the country this year to ten. In contrast, 74 cases were documented in 2024, marking a significant decrease in cases this year.
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The minister emphasized that the successful vaccination rounds in February and April were crucial in maintaining the momentum. He expressed confidence that Pakistan could reach its goal of completely eliminating polio by the end of 2025.
Notably, Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the last two countries in the world where polio is still categorized as endemic.
