The Sindh provincial government has announced a comprehensive polio vaccination initiative set to commence on May 26, targeting over 10 million children under five years of age. This five-day campaign aims to enhance immunization efforts across all 30 districts in Sindh, running until June 1, 2025.
The initiative comes in response to recent reports of new polio cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where two infections were confirmed earlier this week, raising the total number of cases in Pakistan for 2025 to ten. In light of this, health officials emphasize the urgency of the vaccination effort to prevent further spread of the virus.
As part of the campaign, approximately 80,000 trained health workers will be mobilized to conduct door-to-door visits, supported by nearly 26,000 law enforcement personnel to ensure comprehensive coverage. In addition to polio immunizations, children aged between six months and five years will also receive Vitamin A supplements to bolster their immunity.
The Sindh government has previously undertaken two vaccination drives in February and April of this year, reflecting an ongoing commitment to curtail the virus’s transmission. Sindh’s Chief Minister has underscored the importance of accountability and collaborative action in combating the disease, particularly in light of the four reported polio cases within the province this year.
A spokesperson from the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) highlighted the campaign’s critical role in protecting children from the irreversible effects of polio, stating, ‘Polio anywhere poses a threat to children everywhere.’ The campaign’s objective is to reach even the most inaccessible communities, marking a significant step towards the eradication of polio in the region.
Polio vaccination teams are set to operate in 1,292 union councils, where they will engage with families directly to ensure that no child is overlooked. The EOC has called upon various community stakeholders, including parents, educators, and local leaders, to support this essential public health effort. Citizens are encouraged to report any missed vaccinations or seek additional information through the provided helpline.
Pakistan remains one of the few countries where polio is still endemic, with 74 cases reported in the previous year. Concurrently, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has announced a separate vaccination campaign aimed at immunizing approximately 7.3 million children, also beginning on May 26.
