ISLAMABAD (April 13, 2026) — Pakistan today launched its second nationwide polio vaccination drive of the year, a massive undertaking aimed at reaching over 45 million children under the age of five. The campaign represents a critical “final stretch” in the country’s decades-long battle to become polio-free, as health officials report a significant decline in the virus’s geographic footprint.
First Lady @AseefaBZ has urged public cooperation as nationwide anti-polio campaign is set to begin from April 13.
The week-long campaign aims to vaccinate over 45 million children under the age of five across all provinces and regions. #PolioFreePakistanhttps://t.co/IbrXgXgkEe
— Sikandar Ali Hullio (@HullioSikandar) April 12, 2026
The April Vaccination Drive Highlights
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Timeline: April 13 to April 19, 2026.
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The Workforce: Over 400,000 frontline health workers deployed door-to-door across all provinces and territories.
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Health Package: Children will receive two drops of the oral polio vaccine (OPV) along with Vitamin A supplements to boost overall immunity.
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Cross-Border Synergy: The drive is synchronized with efforts in Afghanistan to prevent the cross-border transmission of the virus.
Progress by the Numbers
The head of the polio program, Anwarul Haq, highlighted a dramatic shift in the virus’s prevalence over the last year. Data suggests that the strategic focus on high-risk areas is yielding results:
| Metric | 2025 (Full Year) | 2026 (To Date) |
| Affected Districts | 82 out of 87 | 23 out of 87 |
| Positive Environmental Samples | 651 | 40 |
| Confirmed Polio Cases | 31 | 1 (Sujawal, Sindh) |
A Critical Juncture
Despite the optimistic data, officials warn against complacency. Prime Minister’s Focal Person Ayesha Raza Farooq emphasized that while Pakistan is “closer than ever” to eradication, this remains the most precarious stage. The single confirmed case in Sujawal this year serves as a stark reminder that the virus persists in hidden pockets.
As #Pakistan begins its nationwide #polio campaign from today, I urge all parents and communities to ensure every child is vaccinated. With over 45 million children to be reached, we are closer than ever to ending polio – but the final mile demands collective resolve.
Grateful…
— Aseefa B Zardari (@AseefaBZ) April 13, 2026
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also added her voice to the mission yesterday, urging families to open their doors to the “Sehat Muhafiz” (Health Protectors). She characterized the current phase as the “final stretch” where the omission of even a single child could jeopardize years of progress.
Challenges Amid Success
The campaign launch comes at a time of heightened security in the north, following the martyrdom of a police constable in Hangu earlier today. However, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to the April 19 deadline, asserting that the mission to protect the next generation from lifelong disability will proceed without interruption.
Parents and caregivers are urged to cooperate with the teams and ensure that every child under five is immunized, closing the remaining immunity gaps that the virus exploits.
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