Pakistan is set to launch a massive nationwide polio vaccination campaign from October 13 to 19, aiming to immunise more than 45 million children under the age of five. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) announced that the campaign will be supported by over 400,000 trained health workers who will visit homes across the country to ensure every child receives the vaccine. In addition to polio drops, children will also be given a supplementary dose of Vitamin A to strengthen immunity.
In South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the campaign will run separately from October 20 to 23 due to logistical reasons. Health officials said special teams have been deployed in remote and high-risk districts to ensure full coverage. They emphasized that parents play a crucial role in ensuring their children are protected and urged them to cooperate with vaccinators visiting their homes during the drive.
Read more : /polio-cases-in-pakistan-rise-to-26-in-2025/
The NEOC reiterated that parents must make sure all children under five receive polio drops, while those up to 15 months should complete their full immunisation schedule on time. Authorities have also deployed mobile teams at bus stands, railway stations, and toll plazas to vaccinate children traveling with families, ensuring no child is left behind during the campaign.
Despite steady progress in the fight against polio, Pakistan remains among the few countries where the virus still exists. Health experts warn that any lapse in vaccination efforts could lead to renewed outbreaks. They stressed the need for continued vigilance, particularly in areas with security challenges or vaccine hesitancy, to protect future generations from paralysis caused by the disease.
So far in 2025, 27 polio cases have been reported nationwide, with seven detected in Sindh, underscoring persistent challenges in eradication. Health authorities say this campaign will be critical to achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan, calling on communities, religious leaders, and parents to support the effort for the country’s long-term health security.