Anti-polio drive begins in Punjab

LAHORE:In a major step toward eradicating polio from Pakistan, leading pediatricians and major hospitals across Punjab have partnered with the Punjab government and Punjab Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in support of the upcoming National Polio Vaccination Campaign, commencing Monday (today).

The campaign aims to vaccinate over 23 million children under the age of five, with the help of more than 200,000 polio workers. The campaign will run for seven days in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, while in other districts, the drive will continue for five days. Renowned pediatricians from key hospitals in Lahore and beyond have voiced their strong support for the campaign and the critical role of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in building herd immunity and protecting children against lifelong paralysis.

‘We are proud of standing with the Punjab government in this national effort,’ said Dr Shahzad Haider, a senior pediatrician at a private hospital. ‘Oral Polio Vaccine is safe, effective, and essential to developing community-level immunity. Every child must be vaccinated in every campaign to ensure we close the immunity gap.’

Dr Farrukh Sher Khan emphasised the vaccine’s high potency and effectiveness, stating, ‘Repeated doses of OPV are necessary to ensure robust protection. Parents must understand that every drop counts toward protecting their children and their future.’

Dr Shakeel Haider added, ‘As pediatricians, we see firsthand how preventable diseases like polio can devastate families. This is why we urge every parent to open their doors to polio teams and make sure no child is left behind.’ Dr Mahnoor, pediatrician at a private hospital, stressed the importance of consistent participation in each campaign.

‘Polio can only be eradicated if each and every child receives the vaccine in every campaign. That is the only way to achieve herd immunity and break the chain of transmission.’ Head of the Polio Programme in Punjab, Adeel Tasawar, reiterated the importance of the campaign, ‘Vaccination is the single most important tool we have to build the immunity of our children. We request all parents to fully cooperate with our frontline teams. Together, we can help Pakistan cross the polio finish line once and for all.’

Uzma Kardar, Chief Minister's Focal Person on Polio, also expressed her commitment to the cause: ‘The Punjab government is mobilising all resources to ensure every child is reached. Our partnership with the medical community is stronger than ever, and we will not rest until Pakistan is polio-free.’

The Punjab EOC has coordinated logistics, vaccines, and training for over 200,000 trained polio workers who will go door-to-door to administer vaccines. With continued cooperation from parents and the medical community, Pakistan is closer than ever to eliminating polio.