ISLAMABAD: The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for Polio Eradication has concluded a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s polio eradication programme, acknowledging the government’s unwavering commitment while offering strategic recommendations to overcome the remaining barriers to eradication. These include reaching missed children, addressing vaccine hesitancy, improving access, and managing population movements.
Held in Islamabad from June 24 to 26, the high-level TAG meeting brought together national and international experts to assess the progress made over the past six months under the National Emergency Action Plan for Polio Eradication (NEAP) 2024–25. The review comes at a crucial juncture as Pakistan combats a resurgence of wild poliovirus, with 74 cases reported in 2024 and 12 confirmed as of June 26, 2025.
Teams from the National and Provincial Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) presented detailed updates to the TAG panel, showcasing progress, operational achievements, persistent challenges, and new initiatives aimed at interrupting virus transmission.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, speaking at the opening session, reaffirmed the government’s resolve:
“Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the Ministry of Health continues to provide strong oversight of the Polio Programme, with improved inter-provincial coordination. Sustaining and reinforcing these efforts is vital to achieving our shared goal of a polio-free Pakistan.”
Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, thanked the TAG for its ongoing support:
“The TAG’s expert guidance has been instrumental in shaping our strategy. Based on lessons from NEAP 2024–25, we will adapt our approach for the coming year to close immunity gaps, enhance surveillance, and ensure that no child is left behind.”
She added that greater synergy with the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and broader health stakeholders will help improve routine immunization and deliver integrated health services to underserved communities.
The meeting saw participation from chief secretaries of all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, as well as partners and donors of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)—including WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary International, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi.
Following detailed discussions, TAG issued a set of key recommendations focused on:
- Strengthening campaign management and quality
- Improving vaccination coverage among mobile and missed children
- Enhancing capacity-building of frontline workers
- Reinforcing monitoring, evaluation, and accountability mechanisms
- Intensifying environmental and clinical surveillance
The Government of Pakistan reaffirmed its resolve to swiftly implement these recommendations to accelerate progress toward a polio-free future.
