The third national polio campaign of the year 2025 has officially begun, with Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq, administering oral polio drops to children to inaugurate the drive.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the launching ceremony was attended by representatives of international partners and senior leadership of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC).
Scheduled to run from May 26 to June 1, the campaign aims to immunise over 45 million children across Pakistan. The NEOC has set this ambitious target as part of its mission to completely eradicate the poliovirus from the country.
According to the NEOC, the campaign is being conducted simultaneously in Pakistan and Afghanistan, with a special focus on border areas and nomadic populations, where the risk of virus transmission is higher due to mobility and low immunisation coverage.
Ayesha Raza Farooq reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to eliminating polio, emphasising that eradication of the virus is a national priority and a shared responsibility. She also highlighted that continued campaigns are vital to boosting immunity levels among children and preventing future outbreaks.
She urged parents to not only ensure that their children receive the polio vaccine but also the additional dose of Vitamin A, which strengthens immunity and contributes to better health outcomes.
The campaign reflects Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate polio once and for all and underscores the importance of community cooperation and international support in achieving this critical public health goal.
Reporter: Babar Shehzad Turk