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Pakistan’s nationwide polio campaign has vaccinated over 37 million children in just three days, aiming to immunize 45 million under-five children.
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Over 37 Million Children Vaccinated During First Three Days of Polio Campaign
More than 37 million children have been vaccinated against polio in the first three days of Pakistan’s ongoing nationwide immunisation campaign, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) confirmed on Thursday.
The large-scale effort is part of Pakistan’s renewed push to eradicate polio — a disease that remains endemic in only two countries worldwide: Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Pakistan Records 30 Polio Cases This Year
So far this year, Pakistan has reported 30 confirmed polio cases, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounting for the highest number at 19 cases.
Health officials have repeatedly warned that persistent transmission in certain regions continues to pose a serious public health challenge.
Final Polio Campaign of the Year Underway
The country’s last polio vaccination campaign of the year was launched by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal on December 11.
Campaign Highlights
- Campaign duration: One week
- Start date: December 15
- Target: More than 45 million children under five
- Objective: Eliminate remaining pockets of poliovirus transmission
Province-Wise Vaccination Figures
According to NEOC data, polio drops were administered to children across the country as follows during the first three days:
- Punjab: 20.8 million
- Sindh: Over 7.4 million
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 6.1 million
- Balochistan: 2.1 million
- Islamabad: 417,000
- Gilgit-Baltistan: 256,000
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 689,000
The figures reflect extensive nationwide coverage in both urban and remote areas.
Over 400,000 Polio Workers Deployed
NEOC said that more than 400,000 frontline polio workers are actively participating in the campaign, going door to door to ensure children receive the vaccine.
The organisation praised the dedication of health workers, many of whom are operating in challenging conditions.
NEOC Urges Parents to Cooperate
Health authorities have urged parents to play their part in the eradication effort by ensuring all children under five receive polio drops.
“The success of the national polio campaign is not possible without the full participation of parents and the community,” NEOC said.
The centre warned that polio is incurable and can leave children with lifelong paralysis and disabilities.
Why Repeated Vaccination Is Essential
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children.
Key Facts:
- No cure exists for polio
- Prevention relies on repeated doses of the oral polio vaccine
- Full protection requires timely completion of routine immunisations
Health experts stress that even vaccinated children must continue receiving drops until eradication is achieved.
Pakistan’s Ongoing Fight Against Polio
Despite significant progress over the past decade, Pakistan’s fight against polio remains unfinished due to:
- Missed children in high-risk areas
- Vaccine hesitancy
- Population movement and access challenges
Officials say sustained campaigns and community cooperation are crucial to making Pakistan polio-free.
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