Polio campaign faces challenge as Basant brings influx of children to Lahore

As Lahore prepares to host large-scale Basant festivities from February 6 to 8, the arrival of thousands of children from across the country has added a new layer of complexity to Pakistan’s first National Polio Immunisation Campaign of 2026, beginning in February.

Punjab is launching its first National Polio Immunisation Campaign of the year, targeting 17.8 million children under the age of five. Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Coordinator Adeel Tasawur described the campaign as a “decisive push to sustain pressure on the poliovirus,” noting that recent epidemiological data indicates a decline in virus circulation. However, he cautioned that this progress remains fragile.

Health authorities acknowledge that the festive influx, marked by crowded streets, kite-flying events and family gatherings, coincides with a critical phase in the country’s long-running fight against poliovirus.

Public health experts warn that such large-scale movement of unregistered or short-term visitors, especially children under five, can create immunity gaps if vaccination coverage is not meticulously managed.

More than 200,000 polio workers will be deployed nationwide to conduct door-to-door vaccination. Lahore alone will field over 14,000 frontline workers, while Rawalpindi will deploy more than 8,000. Special vaccination points are being planned near transport hubs, busy markets and recreational areas expected to see heavy footfall during the Basant days.

Basant transforms Lahore into a magnet for visitors, with families travelling from smaller towns and other provinces to take part in celebrations. This seasonal movement significantly increases population mobility, one of the most persistent challenges for polio eradication efforts.

“Any lapse, especially during periods of high mobility like Basant, can reverse hard-won gains,” Tasawur said. “The virus exploits gaps and festivals create precisely the kind of conditions it thrives in.”

Read: Punjab govt to provide free public transport during Basant festival

Investigations reveal that mobile and migrant populations remain among the most vulnerable groups. Children travelling with families for festivals often miss routine immunisation schedules, either due to lack of awareness or logistical hurdles. Health officials say teams have been instructed to pay particular attention to guest accommodations, informal settlements, and neighbourhoods known to host visitors during the festivities.

Despite visible progress, Pakistan remains one of the last countries in the world where poliovirus transmission has not been completely interrupted. Experts emphasise that repeated, high-quality campaigns, not one-off efforts, are essential because polio has no cure. The virus can cause irreversible paralysis, leaving children with lifelong disabilities.

Provincial authorities insist that leadership remains fully committed to eradication, with resources mobilised across departments. Surveillance has been intensified, and coordination with local administrations has been strengthened to track population movement during the festival period.

Yet challenges persist beyond logistics, as past campaigns have faced resistance due to misinformation and vaccine fatigue, particularly in urban pockets where parents mistakenly believe repeated doses are unnecessary. Health officials counter that repeated vaccination is crucial to building immunity, especially in high-risk settings.

Paying tribute to frontline workers, Tasawur called them “the true guardians of the nation’s future,” acknowledging that many operate under difficult conditions, including harsh weather and security concerns. During festival days, their task becomes even more demanding as they navigate congested streets and distracted communities.

Public health analysts argue that the convergence of Basant celebrations and a national immunisation drive underscores a broader reality, as polio eradication is not just a medical challenge but a social one. Success depends on community cooperation, timely information and the willingness of parents to prioritise vaccination even amid celebration.