Pakistan is set to launch its first nationwide anti-polio campaign of the year from February 2, aiming to protect millions of children from the deadly virus.
The announcement was made by Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, during a press conference in Islamabad.
Over 45 Million Children to Be Vaccinated
According to officials, the campaign aims to administer polio drops to more than 45 million children across the country.
This marks one of the largest public health mobilizations in Pakistan, reflecting the government’s renewed push to eliminate polio once and for all.
High-Level Monitoring from Prime Minister’s Office
Ayesha Raza Farooq stated that the Prime Minister’s Office is closely monitoring the polio eradication efforts.
She added that:
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All provincial Chief Secretaries are holding preparatory meetings before February 2
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Administrative coordination is being ensured at all levels
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District-level readiness is being reviewed
The goal is to ensure zero gaps during the campaign.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy a Major Challenge
Officials emphasized that convincing vaccine-refusing families remains one of the biggest challenges.
The focal person stressed that:
- Polio eradication is impossible without media support
- Misinformation spreads easily in the digital age
- Public awareness is critical to success
Authorities have urged parents to cooperate fully with health workers.
Over 400,000 Polio Workers to Go Door-to-Door
The campaign will involve more than 400,000 polio workers, who will visit homes nationwide to vaccinate children.
Security arrangements and logistical planning have been put in place to ensure the safety of workers and uninterrupted operations.
Polio Situation Across Pakistan
Providing an update on the current situation, Ayesha Raza Farooq revealed that 31 polio cases have been reported so far in 2025.
Key regional highlights include:
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17 cases reported from southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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Presence of poliovirus detected in Karachi, with containment measures underway
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No polio cases reported in Balochistan over the past 15 months
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Significant decline in virus levels in environmental samples from Lahore
A Critical Step Toward a Polio-Free Pakistan
Health experts say the upcoming campaign is a crucial opportunity to interrupt virus transmission and move Pakistan closer to becoming polio-free.
Parents are strongly encouraged to ensure their children receive the drops during the campaign.
