ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - Pakistani health authorities will launch the first nationwide anti-polio campaign of the year today, Monday, to vaccinate over 45 million children against the disease, state media reported.
Pakistan recorded a significant decline in polio cases last year compared to 2024, when the South Asian country reported an alarming 74 cases. In 2025, the number of polio cases in Pakistan dropped to 31.
Authorities say the progress in anti-polio efforts reflects strengthened program implementation, enhanced surveillance and improved coordination between federal and provincial stakeholders. This year’s first anti-polio campaign will take place from Feb. 2-8.
“During the campaign, 45 million children under five years of age will be vaccinated with anti-polio drops.”
Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq said last week that around 400,000 trained polio workers will vaccinate children in the door-to-door campaign.
Pakistani health officials have cited the deteriorating security situation in the country as a major obstacle in its bid to eliminate polio from the country.
Polio workers and their security escorts have repeatedly been targeted in militant attacks, particularly in parts of the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, complicating efforts to reach every child.