Islamabad – Pakistan has launched its first national polio vaccination campaign of 2026, aiming to protect over 45 million children across the country. The campaign will involve more than 400,000 polio workers who will go door-to-door to administer polio drops.
The launch ceremony took place at Margalla Dispensary, Islamabad, with Canadian High Commissioner Tariq Ali Khan addressing the event. He praised the frontline polio workers for their tireless efforts, saying their dedication is key to eliminating polio from Pakistan.
Ayesha Raza, Focal Person for the Polio Program, stressed that polio is an incurable disease and highlighted the vital role of polio workers in safeguarding children, even under challenging conditions. She emphasized the importance of support from parents, community leaders, religious scholars, and the media to ensure the success of the campaign.
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Officials reiterated that despite progress, polio remains a threat in some regions, making continuous vaccination efforts critical. The government of Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating polio nationwide, emphasizing that public cooperation and institutional support are essential to make the country polio-free.

