ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken another significant step toward eliminating poliovirus, as the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) concluded a week-long sub-national vaccination campaign from September 1 to 7, successfully reaching more than 19.7 million children under five across 81 high-risk districts.
According to official figures, the campaign achieved wide coverage across the country:
- Punjab: 4.04 million children vaccinated
- Sindh: 8.72 million
- Balochistan: 2.22 million
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 4.025 million
- Islamabad: 0.478 million
- Gilgit-Baltistan: 0.112 million
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir: 0.164 million
The NEOC expressed gratitude to parents, caregivers, civil administration, law enforcement agencies, and frontline health workers for their collective support. Polio workers and security staff were hailed as “national heroes” whose tireless efforts continue to push Pakistan closer to a polio-free future.
However, the drive faced delays in certain areas. Vaccination in nine districts of Punjab — including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Okara, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Multan, Muzaffargarh, and Bahawalpur — was postponed due to flooding, which disrupted operations. New dates will be announced soon to ensure complete coverage.
In southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Bajaur and Upper Dir, the campaign will commence on September 15, targeting an additional 1.68 million children.
Authorities have urged parents and caregivers to ensure that every child under five receives the vaccine during each campaign. Unvaccinated children can be reported via the Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline (1166) or the 24/7 WhatsApp Helpline (0346-7776546).
