Pakistan has successfully vaccinated over 42 million children in the first anti-polio campaign of 2026, targeting children under five across the country. The drive aims to reach 45.4 million children by February 8, covering Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir.
Polio, a highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis, continues to pose a threat in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Authorities emphasized the importance of repeated vaccination and appealed to parents and communities to fully cooperate with over 400,000 polio workers conducting door-to-door campaigns.
Last year, Pakistan reported 31 polio cases, down from 74 in 2024, showing progress in eradication efforts despite challenges from misinformation and targeted attacks on vaccination teams. The ongoing campaign marks a critical step toward eliminating polio and safeguarding children nationwide.
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