Islamabad, October 27, 2024 Reinforcing Pakistan’s dedication to eradicating polio, the Pakistan Polio Programme is launching a nationwide vaccination campaign to address the resurgence of wild poliovirus and safeguard millions of children from the debilitating effects of polio. This campaign aims to reach more than 45 million children across the country. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated this critical campaign in a ceremony at Prime Minister’s House on World Polio Day. During the event, the Prime Minister personally administered polio drops to children and honored the tireless efforts of frontline health workers who ensure no child is left unvaccinated by going door-to-door.  

At the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgency of the fight against polio, stating, “polio has re-emerged in Pakistan, reminding us of our collective responsibility to overcome this threat. Together, we must fight this battle with unity and determination until we secure a polio-free Pakistan.” 

With unwavering commitment to eradicate polio, the Prime Minister called upon all parents and caregivers nationwide to play an active role in this campaign and ensure every child receives the polio vaccine.  

The campaign will run from October 28 to November 3, aiming to vaccinate more than 45 million children under five years of age. Additionally, Vitamin A supplements will be provided to enhance immunity. 

This is Pakistan’s third nationwide campaign this year, launched in response to the alarming increase in polio cases, with 41 cases reported so far in 2024 and across 71 districts.  Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment, saying, “under the Prime Minister’s guidance, we are re-energized in our efforts to combat polio. Starting October 28, our polio workers will reach every corner of Pakistan, delivering the vaccine and securing a healthier future for our children.” 

Encouraging parents to prioritize vaccinations, she said, “with the virus now present in 71 districts, the risk to every child is real. The Government of Pakistan is bringing this vaccine directly to your doorsteps. Please welcome and support our dedicated health workers by ensuring your children are vaccinated.”

In his message, Muhammad Anwar-ul-Haq, Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication, also urged parents to fully cooperate with polio workers. He stated, “polio has no cure, but it can be prevented with this readily available vaccine. With the threat at an all-time high, we must act as one nation to keep our children safe through vaccination.” 

Throughout the campaign, the Sehat Tahhafuz Helpline 1166 and the 24/7 WhatsApp Helpline at 0346-7776546 will be available to assist parents with information and to report any children missed during the vaccination drive.

Note for the Editor:

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus mainly affecting children under the age of five years. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this crippling disease. Each time a child under the age of five is vaccinated, their protection against the virus is increased. Repeated immunisations have protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become polio-free, except for the two endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

For further information, please contact: Ms Hania Naeem, Communications Officer, NEOC, +923431101988; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.