Nearly 19.7 million children vaccinated in anti-polio drive across Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) has announced the successful completion of a nationwide anti-polio campaign, reporting that nearly 19.7 million children under the age of five received life-saving polio drops during the drive conducted from September 1 to 7.
According to NEOC, the campaign covered targeted districts across the country, with significant regional participation. In Punjab, 4.04 million children were vaccinated, while 8.72 million received drops in Sindh. In Balochistan, the number stood at 2.27 million, and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 4.025 million children were covered. Islamabad recorded 479,000 vaccinations, Gilgit-Baltistan 112,000, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir 164,000.
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Tribute to frontline heroes
The NEOC expressed deep gratitude to parents, caregivers, civil administration, law enforcement agencies, and frontline polio workers for their commitment. It praised vaccination teams and security personnel as “national heroes” whose tireless efforts ensured the safety and success of the campaign.
Upcoming follow-up campaign
The Centre also announced that a follow-up campaign will commence on September 15 in South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bajaur, and Upper Dir. This next phase will target 1.685 million children under the age of five.
Call for continued vigilance
Authorities have urged parents and communities to remain vigilant and ensure that every child receives the polio vaccine in each round. The NEOC emphasized that consistent cooperation is essential to eradicate the poliovirus once and for all from Pakistan.
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With these sustained efforts, Pakistan continues to move closer to eliminating polio, safeguarding future generations from the threat of this debilitating disease.
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