Islamabad, October 10 , 2025 — The Government of Pakistan has once again reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eradicating polio as Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication (PMFP) Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq addressed the media today ahead of the nationwide anti-polio campaign beginning October 13.
The upcoming campaign aims to vaccinate more than 45 million children under the age of five across the country. In addition to polio drops, Vitamin A supplements will also be administered to enhance children’s immunity and safeguard them from other preventable diseases.
Stronger Performance and Improved Coverage
Ms. Farooq highlighted that the number of missed children during vaccination drives has declined from over 1.1 million in October 2024 to around 830,000 in May 2025, demonstrating significant progress in planning, accountability, and community engagement.
Since September 2024, Pakistan has conducted six polio campaigns, including three nationwide drives in 2025, each successfully reaching more than 45 million children.
Shared Responsibility and Community Engagement
Expressing her gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) team, and all supporting partners, Ms. Farooq emphasized that collective responsibility and collaboration remain key to achieving a polio-free Pakistan.
“Ending polio is not just the responsibility of the government or health workers—it is a shared duty of all Pakistanis,” she said. “The last mile is the hardest, yet within reach. Every parent, teacher, community elder, and religious leader has an important role in ensuring every child is vaccinated. To all parents and caregivers, our message is simple: when vaccinators come to your doorstep, please open your doors. Two drops of the polio vaccine can protect your child from lifelong disability.”
Focus on High-Risk Areas
Ms. Farooq underscored the importance of intensified efforts in high-risk regions, particularly the South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa block and Karachi, where poliovirus continues to be detected in environmental samples. Sustained coordination, data-driven planning, and targeted strategies, she noted, are crucial to closing remaining immunity gaps.
Leadership Commitment and Frontline Heroes
Mr. Muhammad Anwar Ul Haq, National Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), reaffirmed the government’s full support for the campaign’s success. He stressed the importance of high-quality implementation, close monitoring, and inter-agency coordination.
Ms. Farooq also paid tribute to Pakistan’s 400,000 frontline health workers, including 225,000 female vaccinators, as well as security personnel working under challenging conditions. She described them as the “true heroes of the mission,” whose dedication continues to safeguard future generations.
Sustained Momentum Toward a Polio-Free Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan reiterated its full commitment to ensuring that every child receives the polio vaccine, vowing to continue strengthening partnerships between the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).
With unified action, improved monitoring, and resilient community engagement, Pakistan remains steadfast in its determination to eliminate polio once and for all — protecting every child, every family, and the nation’s future.
BY: The Times Union
