Pakistan polio campaign from May 18 to 24

In Pakistan, the Pakistan polio campaign is scheduled to run from May 18 to 24 in 79 high-risk districts. The government aims to vaccinate nearly 19 million children, coordinating with Afghanistan to curb transmission.

Campaign coverage by region

The drive will vaccinate approximately 6.19 million children in Punjab across 10 districts; about 5.79 million in Sindh in 20 districts; 4.61 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 23 districts; 1.99 million in Balochistan in 25 districts; and roughly 450,000 in Islamabad.

What officials say

Officials stress that polio vaccination is a shared national responsibility. They urge parents to cooperate with vaccination teams, follow schedules, and ensure every eligible child receives the drops during the week-long drive.

Teams will operate in schools, clinics, and outreach points, visiting homes to reach children who might miss traditional clinics. The operation relies on community volunteers to build trust and awareness.

Regional context

This campaign fits into a regional effort where neighboring Afghanistan is running a parallel drive. The cross-border approach aims to close gaps that allow the virus to persist.

Public health officials emphasize monitoring and feedback. They expect robust data to track coverage and spot districts needing extra attention, enabling quick operational adjustments.

Health workers say the plan includes strict safety protocols and cold-chain management to protect vaccines. Parents can check local helplines for information and follow-up after vaccination.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this Pakistan polio campaign shows the country pushing ahead to safeguard children and move toward eradication.

Reporter: Babar Shehzad Turk