More than 45 million children will be vaccinated in the fight against polio from Monday

The federal government will launch a week-long nationwide polio vaccination campaign from tomorrow (Monday) to protect more than 45 million children from the virus.

Strengthening Pakistan’s commitment to polio eradication, the Pakistan Polio Program is launching the vaccination campaign to address the resurgence of wild poliovirus and protect millions of children from the debilitating effects of polio.

This campaign aims to reach more than 45 million children across the country from October 28 to November 3.

With an unwavering commitment to eradicate polio, health officials called on all parents and caregivers across the country to play an active role in this campaign and ensure that every child receives the polio vaccine.

In addition, vitamin A supplements will be provided to boost immunity.

This is Pakistan’s third nationwide campaign this year, launched in response to an alarming rise in polio cases, with 41 cases reported so far in 2024 in 71 districts.

The Prime Minister’s Polio Eradication Focal Person Ayesha Raza Farooq said in a statement: “Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, we are renewing our efforts to fight polio.”

“Starting October 28, our polio workers will reach every corner of Pakistan, delivering the vaccine and ensuring a healthier future for our children.”

Encouraging parents to prioritize vaccinations, he said, “with the virus now present in 71 regions, the risk to every child is real.”

He further said, “Please welcome and support the dedicated health workers by ensuring that your children are vaccinated.”

In a message, the coordinator of the National Center for Emergency Operations for Polio Eradication, Muhammad Anwar-ul-Haq, 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 a nation to keep our children safe through vaccination,” he concluded.