In brief
On November 2, 2026, Pakistan launched a nationwide polio campaign, deploying more than 200,000 workers to vaccinate roughly 24 million children under five across 97 districts. The drive runs until November 8 and runs concurrently with Afghanistan’s identical effort, with officials urging parents to ensure all children receive the required doses.
Xinhua reported that on Monday, November 2, 2026, Pakistan launched a sub‑national polio vaccination campaign designed to immunise about 24 million children under five in 97 districts.
To meet the target, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) deployed more than 200 000 frontline workers who will conduct door‑to‑door inoculations across the selected districts.
The campaign began Monday and is scheduled to run through November 8, giving families several days to participate before the nationwide rollout concludes.
NEOC officials said the campaign runs concurrently with Afghanistan’s own polio vaccination drive, a coordinated effort aimed at eliminating the disease in both countries.
In a statement, the NEOC urged parents to ensure their children receive the required polio drops, emphasizing that repeated doses reinforce immunity against the virus.
Workers are expected to visit households, administer polio drops and provide educational material to caregivers, reinforcing the message that full compliance is essential for community protection.
The NEOC highlighted that the campaign’s logistics include transport for workers, supply chains to distribute vaccine vials, and monitoring systems to track coverage rates—critical for achieving full coverage by the scheduled end date.
Community outreach teams will accompany the workers to engage local leaders and educate families about the importance of completing the polio vaccination schedule, noting that repeated doses are key to lasting immunity.
Officials stressed that the simultaneous effort with Afghanistan represents a strategic partnership designed to interrupt transmission lines that cross borders, strengthening regional disease control.
Health ministry spokespersons shared a statement urging parents to expedite vaccinations, noting that each drop fills a critical gap in the nation’s protection against polio, and that cooperation with vaccination teams is paramount.