Pakistan’s Nationwide Polio Drive Starts April 13, 2026

Pakistan is kicking off a nationwide anti-polio drive this week to shield children from a crippling disease. The government says the campaign will vaccinate about 45 million children under five, using mobile teams, fixed vaccination centers, and door-to-door visits across Punjab, Sindh, KP, Balochistan, and major cities.

Radio Pakistan reported that the week-long drive began on April 13, 2026, with health workers spreading out from urban hubs to reach remote areas. The plan relies on the strong cold-chain system and community volunteers to ensure every child gets the oral polio vaccine safely and on time.

This campaign, a major public health effort, follows decades of polio vaccination drives and intensified surveillance. Officials say progress has been steady, but pockets of vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and access gaps still exist. The current drive aims to close those gaps and push eradication closer.

Health workers will visit homes, schools, and workplaces to immunize children and to collect data for better planning. Parents are urged to keep vaccination cards handy and to cooperate with teams that may need to revisit households to complete doses. Every vaccinated child means fewer future cases.

The campaign, coordinated by Pakistan’s Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, involves provincial health departments, district authorities, and international partners such as WHO and UNICEF. This collaboration strengthens frontline delivery, communication, and monitoring to prevent gaps that could let polio slip back.

For families in rural and flood-affected areas, the drive brings essential protection with minimal disruption. Local leaders emphasize calm, respectful outreach so caregivers do not fear outbreaks or loss of daily income. The aim is wide coverage without frightening communities away from vaccines.

Past campaigns show progress when communities are informed and engaged. Local doctors, teachers, and religious leaders often play key roles in dispelling myths and encouraging participation. This year’s push prioritizes clear messaging through radio, SMS alerts, and school-based information sessions.

For mothers and guardians, vaccination is a duty that protects the next generation from disability and stigma. In big Pakistani families, a simple shot at the right time can spare a child years of hardship. The campaign also helps strengthen routine immunization habits.

Let’s stay hopeful. If we protect our kids today, we reduce the risk of paralysis tomorrow. Parents, grandparents, and community workers all have a role in a successful drive. Share information, stay patient, and welcome health teams when they come to your doorstep.

Source: The Express Tribune