Islamabad: Pakistan has launched a massive polio vaccination drive aiming to immunize over 45 million children across the country, according to a statement from the National Institute of Health. The campaign, which started on Monday, will continue until November 3 as part of efforts to curb the spread of polio after a rise in cases this year.

This is Pakistan’s third nationwide polio campaign in 2024, spurred by an alarming 41 cases reported so far, health officials revealed. With polio cases on the rise, authorities are intensifying efforts to reach every child under the age of five to prevent further outbreaks and reduce the risk of transmission.

Health officials are urging parents to cooperate fully with vaccination teams, emphasizing the critical role of immunization in keeping children safe. Vaccinators are mobilizing door-to-door in communities, particularly in high-risk areas, to ensure comprehensive coverage.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only countries where polio remains endemic. This campaign reflects Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio, a goal the nation shares with global health agencies.

Health experts hope that with increased public support and ongoing vaccination efforts, Pakistan can achieve polio eradication in the near future, following in the footsteps of other nations that have successfully eliminated the virus.