Pakistan launches nationwide polio campaign, urges parents to vaccinate children under five

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ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, April 15, 2026 (WNP): Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Ayesha Raza Farooq has urged parents across Pakistan to ensure vaccination of children under five during the country’s second nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign of 2026.

The campaign aims to vaccinate more than 45 million children through the efforts of over 400,000 frontline health workers conducting door-to-door immunization drives across the country.

Ayesha Raza Farooq emphasized that while Pakistan has made significant progress in eradicating polio, the virus continues to pose a threat. She stressed that “two drops in every vaccination campaign can protect every child from polio,” adding that until complete eradication is achieved, children remain at risk of permanent disability.

Condemning a recent terrorist attack on a police security escort assigned to polio duty in District Hangu, she expressed condolences and solidarity with the families of the martyrs and injured, as well as with all law enforcement and frontline workers engaged in the campaign.

She reaffirmed that the Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative remains committed to ensuring a polio-free future for all children in the country.