LAHORE:The national polio immunisation campaign has officially been launched across Punjab on Monday. CM’s Focal Person for Polio Uzma Kardar inaugurated the campaign by administering polio drops to children at the Children’s Hospital.
Lahore remained a key reservoir district requiring extended campaign duration and intensified monitoring. Over 23.3 million children under five are targeted in National Immunisation Drive across the province.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS) VC Dr Masood Sadiq, representatives of the Pakistan Pediatric Association and District Health Officer Dr Zahid Munir.
Speaking on the occasion, Uzma Kardar stated that the eradication of polio remains govt’s top priority. She highlighted that in 2025, 17 districts were affected by polio virus; however, the situation has shown significant improvement, with zero positive environmental samples reported across the province. “The fact that all environmental samples tested negative in March reflects major progress in the fight against the virus”.
She further stated that transit points have been strengthened and polio teams have been deployed at all entry and exit points across the province. She added that 2026 is envisioned as the year for polio eradication from Pakistan. She also emphasised the critical role of doctors in countering misinformation in the age of fake news.
Dr Masood Sadiq urged that all children under five must receive polio drops during every campaign. He noted that migrant populations can contribute to the spread of poliovirus. He also highlighted that pediatric experts and young doctors will be engaged as ambassadors for polio awareness.
Dr Zahid Munir shared that the campaign will continue for seven days in Lahore and four days in other districts, with a target of reaching over 23.3 million children across Punjab. Dr Kaleem Akhtar emphasised that the mission must continue until complete eradication is achieved, while Dr Nasir Rana stated that ensuring access to every child remains the top priority. Dr Tipu noted that the negative environmental samples across Punjab reflect collective efforts and stressed that parental and community cooperation is essential for success.
The speakers urged the parents to ensure that every child under five receives polio drops during each immunisation campaign, without fail. Punjab has shown significant progress in recent months against poliovirus transmission. Environmental surveillance indicates a sustained decline in virus detection, with all reported samples testing negative in March 2026 — marking an important epidemiological milestone.
Police on high alert
Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana has said that the police have put in place comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the safety of health workers during the ongoing anti-polio campaign in the provincial capital.
He said that special security teams have been constituted to safeguard polio workers, adding that these teams are actively performing their duties in the field. The security across the city would remain on high alert throughout the campaign, he further said.
The CCPO added that polio teams are being continuously monitored through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) to ensure a swift and effective response to any untoward situation. He directed that the Dolphin Squad, Police Response Units and personnel from relevant police stations must ensure effective patrolling during the vaccination drive.
