ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will launch a special anti-polio vaccination campaign on Monday in 62 high-risk union councils across 13 districts of southwestern Balochistan province.
During the campaign, more than 200,000 children under the age of five will be administered polio drops as part of efforts to protect them against the crippling disease and strengthen immunization coverage across the province, according to the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
Trained vaccination teams will visit households and designated vaccination centres to administer oral polio vaccine free of charge.
It said that 862 mobile vaccination teams have been deployed to carry out the campaign. In addition, 61 fixed vaccination centres and 72 transit vaccination points have been established to ensure that no child is missed, including those travelling with their families or residing in hard-to-reach areas.
A special anti-polio vaccination campaign will begin in thirteen districts of Balochistan tomorrow @PakFightsPolio #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/luwO3v3JFq pic.twitter.com/gsUIMZTUA8
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) August 2, 2026
The EOC stated that the campaign is specifically targeting high-risk union councils where the risk of poliovirus transmission remains elevated.
Health authorities emphasized that the virus continues to circulate in certain parts of the province, making regular vaccination drives crucial to preventing new infections and protecting children from the disease.
Pakistan PM reaffirms commitment to polio eradication
Earlier this month Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicate polio, describing it as one of the government’s top priorities.
He made the remarks during a meeting with a seven-member delegation of the Polio Oversight Board (POB), where he underscored the government’s determination to strengthen nationwide vaccination efforts and achieve a polio-free Pakistan.
Also Read: Pakistan PM Reaffirms Commitment to Polio Eradication
“We are taking every possible step to protect the future of Pakistan’s children from the crippling disease of polio,” he said.
Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Pakistan’s development partners for their continued support in the country’s fight against polio, acknowledging their vital role in advancing eradication efforts.
Pakistan remains one of only two countries in the world where poliovirus is still endemic, alongside Afghanistan.
Health experts say that sustained campaigns, strengthened surveillance, and community awareness are crucial to achieving the long-sought goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
Highly infectious and incurable disease
Polio is a highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis. The only effective protection is through repeated doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine for every child under five during each campaign, alongside timely completion of all routine immunisations.
Pakistan regularly conducts nationwide anti-polio campaigns during which millions of children are vaccinated.
