ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched its third sub-national polio vaccination campaign of 2026, aiming to protect approximately 24 million children under the age of five against the potentially paralysing disease in 97 high-risk districts across the country from November 2 to 8.
Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Syed Mustafa Kamal formally inaugurated the campaign at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for Polio Eradication on Friday by administering polio drops to children.
According to the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), the campaign will be the fifth major polio vaccination drive of 2026 and will mobilise more than 200,000 frontline polio workers to ensure maximum vaccination coverage in targeted districts.
The vaccination campaign will be conducted simultaneously in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the world's last two countries where wild poliovirus remains endemic, with strengthened cross-border coordination to prevent further transmission.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating poliovirus transmission across Pakistan.
"Polio eradication remains a national priority, and we are committed to sustaining our efforts until poliovirus transmission is interrupted across the country. The November campaign will target approximately 24 million children in 97 selected districts, with a focus on strengthening vaccination coverage and ensuring that every eligible child is protected," he stated.
The minister expressed particular concern over persistent poliovirus transmission in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the need for targeted interventions, improved coordination and sustained vaccination efforts.
He said the federal government was working closely with provincial authorities, district administrations and other stakeholders to overcome security and accessibility challenges that continue to affect vaccination activities in certain areas.
Mustafa Kamal urged parents and caregivers to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure that every child under five years of age receives polio drops during the upcoming campaign.
"Our vaccination teams visit your homes to protect your children, so please welcome them and ensure that every child under five receives polio drops, which are safe and effective," he emphasised.
According to PEI, Pakistan has achieved a 99.8 percent reduction in polio cases since the national eradication programme began in 1994. The estimated annual number of cases has declined from approximately 20,000 to 31 in 2025, while seven cases have been reported so far in 2026.
Despite this significant progress, health authorities warn that continued poliovirus circulation remains a serious threat, particularly in high-risk and underserved communities.
Officials stressed that polio has no cure and can cause permanent paralysis or even death. They reiterated that every child under five must receive two drops of oral polio vaccine during every vaccination campaign, regardless of previous vaccination history.
The oral polio vaccine is prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has been safely administered in 195 countries worldwide.
Health authorities have appealed to parents, community leaders and local administrations to extend full cooperation to vaccination teams to ensure that no eligible child is missed and Pakistan moves closer to achieving a polio-free future.
