Islamabad, May 25 (UNI) Pakistan kicked off its third national polio immunisation campaign of 2025. The drive will be targeting over 45 million children under the age of five in a weeklong effort to eradicate the virus from the country.

The campaign, which runs from May 26 to June 1, was officially launched at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Islamabad by Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, Ayesha Raza Farooq. To mark the occasion, she administered oral polio and Vitamin A drops to children, reports Dawn.

Carried out in coordination with Afghanistan -- the only other country in the world where polio remains endemic, the campaign places special focus on high-risk areas, including border regions and mobile populations, to ensure nationwide coverage.

“Eradicating polio remains a top national priority,” Farooq said, adding that consistent campaigns are essential to boosting immunity and halting the spread of the virus. She highlighted persistent challenges in hotspots such as South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Karachi, and Quetta Block, but noted improved outreach in remote communities.

According to NEOC, environmental surveillance has detected poliovirus in 272 sewage samples from 127 sites across 68 districts this year, with 10 confirmed cases reported — all in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Over 400,000 health workers, including 225,000 women, are involved in the campaign, with logistical and security support provided by law enforcement agencies.

UNICEF’s outgoing Pakistan representative, Abdullah Fadil, commended national efforts, saying, “With political will and strong coordination, Pakistan is closer than ever to eliminating polio.”

Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal reaffirmed the government's commitment to the 2025 eradication goal, citing reduced vaccine hesitancy and improved campaign effectiveness.

UNI ANV RN