ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will launch its first nationwide polio vaccination campaign of 2026 from February 2 to February 8 across 159 districts, the National Emergency Operations Center (EOC) announced.
During the weeklong drive, more than 45 million children under the age of five will be administered oral polio vaccine to protect them against the crippling disease. The campaign is part of the government’s continued efforts to eliminate polio, which remains endemic in only a few countries worldwide.
The National EOC said over 400,000 male and female polio workers will be deployed across the country to ensure maximum coverage, including in high-risk and hard-to-reach areas. Security personnel will accompany vaccination teams to facilitate smooth operations.
Authorities urged parents to cooperate with frontline workers by opening their doors and ensuring that all eligible children receive polio drops. Parents were also advised to complete the routine immunization schedule for children from birth to 15 months to strengthen overall immunity.
The National EOC emphasized that vaccination is safe, effective, and essential for protecting children’s health and preventing the spread of the virus.
For information related to the polio campaign, citizens can call the polio helpline at 1166 or send a WhatsApp message to 0346-7776546, the EOC said.

