Islamabad, January 28, 2026 — Pakistan’s Polio Eradication Programme has reaffirmed its firm commitment to the Roadmap to Zero Polio 2026, signaling a decisive push toward making the country polio-free this year. In a high-level visit to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) on Tuesday, a delegation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation met with key officials, underscoring the strong partnership driving these efforts amid steady progress in reducing cases.
A high-level delegation from the Gates Foundation visited the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) today.
Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio, warmly welcomed the delegation, which included Chris Elias, President of Global Development, and… pic.twitter.com/0xHtCE9aBa
— Pak Fights Polio (@PakFightsPolio) January 28, 2026
Key Highlights
- Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Ayesha Raza Farooq welcomed the Gates Foundation delegation, including President of Global Development Chris Elias and newly appointed Polio Director Kathy Neuzil.
- Ms Farooq congratulated Dr Neuzil on her appointment and recognized her long-standing contributions to polio eradication in Pakistan.
- The delegation received a detailed briefing on the latest surveillance data from NEOC Coordinator Muhammad Anwarul Haq.
- Pakistan expressed deep gratitude to the Gates Foundation and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) for their unwavering support.
- The visit highlighted ongoing collaboration to interrupt poliovirus transmission and achieve a polio-free Pakistan — and ultimately a polio-free world.
Strong Leadership and Partnership Drive Momentum
Ms Farooq emphasized that with resolute government leadership and continued backing from international partners like the Gates Foundation, Pakistan is moving steadily toward zero polio. The briefing in the NEOC control room covered current surveillance updates, helping the delegation see firsthand the program’s data-driven approach and frontline determination.
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This renewed resolve comes at a pivotal time. Recent reports show significant gains — polio cases dropped sharply to around 30 in 2025 from 74 in 2024, with no new cases since September last year. The Roadmap to Zero Polio (aligned with the NEAP 2025–26) outlines phased strategies: optimizing campaigns, sustaining high-performance rounds through early 2026, and focusing on surveillance and risk mapping to end remaining transmission chains. Nationwide vaccination drives continue to reach millions of children, often in challenging conditions, thanks to the dedication of health workers.
Looking Ahead with Hope
The Gates Foundation visit reinforces the global solidarity behind Pakistan’s fight. As one of only two countries where wild poliovirus remains endemic, Pakistan’s success is crucial for worldwide eradication. With strong institutional collaboration, community trust, and sustained vaccination efforts, the goal of zero polio in 2026 feels closer than ever — a testament to the nation’s quiet but unwavering resolve. Parents and communities are urged to keep cooperating with polio teams to protect every child from this preventable disease.
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