Pakistan has officially kicked off its second nationwide anti-polio campaign of 2026, intensifying efforts to eliminate the virus and protect millions of children from paralysis.
According to health authorities, the campaign will run until April 19, covering 169 districts across Pakistan, while a simultaneous drive is also underway in Afghanistan.
Massive Vaccination Target Across the Country
The initiative aims to vaccinate more than 45.3 million children, with the support of over 400,000 frontline workers, including health staff and volunteers.
Provincial targets highlight the scale of the campaign:
- Punjab: 23.4 million children
- Sindh: 10.5 million children
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 7.3 million children
- Balochistan: 2.6 million children
- Azad Kashmir: 710,000 children
- Gilgit-Baltistan: 280,000 children
- Islamabad: 450,000 children
Special Measures in High-Risk Areas
Authorities have implemented enhanced strategies for sensitive regions. A five-day vaccination drive will be followed by two additional catch-up days to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
Mobile vaccination teams have been deployed to reach remote and high-risk populations.
Border Vaccination Strategy
A dedicated plan has also been introduced for the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, where vaccination teams will operate at all key crossing points to prevent cross-border transmission of the virus.
Additional Health Support for Children
Alongside polio drops, children will receive Vitamin A supplements to strengthen immunity and support overall health.
Progress and Ongoing Challenges
Health officials report a significant decline in polio cases in recent years due to consistent vaccination campaigns and improved coordination.
However, authorities emphasize that continued vigilance is necessary, and conditional travel restrictions remain in place for both Pakistan and Afghanistan to limit virus spread.
