Rawalpindi — The opening anti-polio campaign of 2026 began across Rawalpindi on Monday, targeting more than one million children under five with oral polio vaccine drops to keep the virus at bay in this key garrison district.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema formally inaugurated the drive by administering drops to children at his office, joined by District Health Authority officials and World Health Organisation representatives. The effort runs through February 5 as part of the nationwide push to sustain downward pressure on polio circulation.
Pakistan launches 1st nationwide polio vaccination drive of 2026 https://t.co/lQGpKR7AVT pic.twitter.com/lJXTQV1y6f
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) February 3, 2026
Key Highlights
- Over 1 million children under five targeted in Rawalpindi.
- More than 8,000 frontline polio workers deployed door-to-door.
- Campaign runs February 3–5, 2026.
- Special focus on high-risk union councils and migrant families.
- Teams at bus stands, railway stations, transit points for travelling children.
- DC Cheema: Clear drop in polio cases shows campaigns working.
- Strict monitoring; action against negligent staff.
- Parents urged to cooperate fully for polio-free Pakistan.
The deputy commissioner highlighted the campaign’s critical role in building on recent progress — fewer cases proving the power of consistent vaccination. He stressed polio’s irreversible harm, causing lifelong disability, and called every dose essential for children’s safe future.
Special strategies target sensitive areas and mobile populations to close gaps, while mobile teams at public transport hubs catch children on the move. Dr Cheema paid tribute to the 8,000 workers as “frontline heroes” braving challenges to protect the nation’s next generation.
He directed daily field monitoring and warned of strict action against any lapses, underscoring the Punjab government’s full commitment to eradication with all resources mobilized.
This drive reflects Rawalpindi’s resolve to shield its youngest residents — a collective effort where parents, teams, and authorities stand together to turn the dream of a polio-free Pakistan into reality, one drop at a time.
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