ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, will launch a nationwide anti-polio vaccination campaign from October 13, 2025, to protect more than 45 million children under the age of five from the lifelong threat of paralysis.
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), over 400,000 trained frontline health workers will go door-to-door across Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Islamabad to ensure that no child is missed. The drive is part of ongoing efforts to make Pakistan polio-free and safeguard the nation’s future generations.
Officials highlighted that the recent floods in several parts of the country have worsened the risk of polio transmission and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Stagnant water, poor sanitation, and population displacement have created conditions favorable for the virus to spread, making this campaign crucial to protecting children’s health.
Alongside polio drops, children under five will also receive Vitamin A supplements to boost immunity and enhance protection against infectious diseases. The integrated campaign aims to improve overall child health and strengthen defenses against illnesses.
Authorities have urged parents and caregivers to ensure that their children receive two drops of the oral polio vaccine during every campaign, in addition to routine immunizations, to prevent the virus from circulating and safeguard every child’s future.
The NEOC has also encouraged the media to play its role in raising awareness about the importance of vaccination, emphasizing that informed reporting can help millions of parents ensure their children are protected on time.
Spokespersons from the NEOC, along with health experts, community leaders, and frontline vaccinators, are available for interviews. High-quality b-roll, photos, and field access for media coverage can also be arranged upon request.
