90% of Target Children Vaccinated in Nationwide Polio Eradication Campaign

Strategic Insights -

The nationwide polio eradication campaign has made significant progress, with 90% of the target children across the country vaccinated in the first four days of the campaign. The National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) has reported encouraging region-wise breakdowns, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leading at 93% coverage, followed by Gilgit-Baltistan at 97% and Azad Jammu and Kashmir at 96%. The synchronized campaign is also underway in neighboring Afghanistan, as part of a joint effort to eradicate the poliovirus from the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • 90% of target children vaccinated across the country in the first four days of the campaign.
  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leads at 93% coverage, followed by Gilgit-Baltistan at 97% and Azad Jammu and Kashmir at 96%.
  • Punjab has vaccinated 91% of its children, Balochistan 89%, and Sindh 87% while Islamabad has reached 81% coverage.
  • The campaign is underway in neighboring Afghanistan as part of a joint effort to eradicate the poliovirus from the region.
  • Parents have been reminded to ensure that their children receive all routine immunizations along with the polio drops.
  • Citizens can call the helpline at 1166 or send a WhatsApp message to 0346-7776546 for information or to coordinate with a polio vaccination team.

Statistics:

  • 90% of target children vaccinated in the first four days of the campaign.
  • 93% coverage in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 97% in Gilgit-Baltistan, and 96% in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
  • 91% coverage in Punjab, 89% in Balochistan, 87% in Sindh, and 81% in Islamabad.
  • 21,111 poliovirus cases reported in Pakistan from 1988 to 2022 (Global Polio Eradication Initiative, 2022).
  • Only three countries remain polio-endemic: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria (WHO, 2022).

Sources:

  • NEOC (National Emergency Operations Center)
  • Global Polio Eradication Initiative (2022)
  • WHO (World Health Organization) (2022)