First polio drive of 2026 launched

Our Correspondent February 03, 2026 Less than a minute read

A health worker administers anti-polio drops to a child during the launch of the citywide vaccination campaign, marking another crucial step in the fight to protect future generations from the crippling disease. PHOTO FILE: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD:

The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) on Monday launched the first polio vaccination campaign of 2026 to inoculate 45 million children under the age of five.

The week-long campaign will be held from February 2-8 across 159 districts nationwide.

PM's Focal Person for Polio Eradication Ayesha Raza Farooq inaugurated the campaign at CDA Rawal Town Dispensary in Islamabad accompanied by Canadian High Commissioner Tarik Ali Khan, WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng and UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Pernille Ironside, as well as district government authorities.