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Nationwide Polio Drive Begins April 21 to Protect 4.5 Million Children
Pakistan launches a nationwide anti-polio campaign from April 21–27 to vaccinate 4.5M children. Sindh alone targets 10.6M kids with 70K+ workers on the ground. Let’s end polio together!
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-17
Nationwide Polio Drive Begins April 21 to Protect 4.5 Million Children

ISLAMABAD/KARACHI – Pakistan is intensifying its efforts to eradicate polio with a nationwide vaccination campaign set to begin on April 21 and continue through April 27, 2025. The campaign aims to vaccinate 4.5 million children under the age of five across the country, with the support of over 415,000 trained polio workers.

Despite decades of global effort, Pakistan remains one of only two countries—alongside Afghanistan—where polio remains endemic. In 2024, the country reported 74 new cases: 27 in Balochistan, 23 in Sindh, 22 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each in Punjab and Islamabad. Most of the affected children were under five, with the disease often resulting in permanent paralysis.

During a review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, it was revealed that no new polio case has been reported since February 10, following a series of targeted vaccination drives. The premier praised frontline health workers and urged comprehensive awareness campaigns and community mobilisation.

“It must be ensured that every child under five years of age is administered the polio vaccine during the anti-polio campaign starting from April 21,” the prime minister stated. He also emphasized the importance of routine immunisation against other infectious diseases during the campaign.

The government is using digital systems to monitor the cold chain logistics of vaccine distribution. Third-party validation of the campaign will occur from April 28 to 30.

In Sindh, the provincial government announced an ambitious campaign to vaccinate over 10.6 million children, with 69,724 polio workers conducting door-to-door visits, as well as visiting schools, malls, and transit points. Of these, 20,000 workers will be deployed in Karachi alone. To ensure safety, 24,552 security personnel—5,669 of whom will be in Karachi—will be deployed to protect the vaccination teams.

Sindh Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Coordinator Irshad Ali Sodhar called on parents to ensure every eligible child receives the polio drops. “Each dose is critical to protecting a child against this crippling disease,” he stated.

The EOC has engaged district administrations, religious leaders, medical professionals, and media partners to spread accurate information and combat vaccine hesitancy. Citizens are encouraged to report missed vaccinations via helpline 1166 or WhatsApp at 0346-7776546.

During a Provincial Task Force meeting, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah noted that while the province reported 23 cases in 2024, the number dropped to 4 in 2025 so far. He stressed the importance of district-level leadership in overcoming refusals and misinformation.

“Every refusal must be seen as an opportunity to educate and build trust,” the CM said. “Our goal is to leave no child behind.”

Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Sindh’s Health Minister, echoed the call for rigorous follow-up, particularly in areas affected by vaccine fatigue and misinformation. She also highlighted the importance of integrating nutrition and other immunisation services alongside polio campaigns.

As the virus continues to surface in environmental surveillance samples across regions like Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas, officials insist that public cooperation is vital. “The virus is still present, but so is our resolve,” the Sindh CM said. “We owe it to every child to make this campaign count.”

With strengthened political will and community involvement, Pakistan aims to eliminate polio once and for all.
Tagged:

EndPolio

PolioFreePakistan

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