Pakistan Launches 2025 Anti-Polio Campaign to Eradicate Disease

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On February 3, 2025, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the country’s nationwide anti-polio campaign for the year, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating polio from the nation. The immunization initiative, set to run from February 3 to February 9, aims to protect millions of children across Pakistan from the debilitating effects of the disease, which continues to pose a serious health threat.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif underlined the importance of reaching the most remote and underserved regions of the country, where polio remains a challenge. He expressed confidence that the dedicated teams working in these areas would utilize their full capabilities to carry out the mission of eradicating the virus.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that, although 73 polio cases were reported in Pakistan in 2024, only one new case has been documented in 2025 so far, signaling a potential reduction in the disease’s prevalence. However, he acknowledged the need for persistent efforts, stressing that the battle against polio is far from over.

Sharif reaffirmed his government’s determination to eliminate the disease at all costs, noting that the success of the campaign will rely on strong teamwork and collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health agencies.

Polio, a highly infectious disease caused by a virus, primarily affects children under the age of five. It can lead to irreversible paralysis or even death if not prevented. The virus spreads through contaminated food or water, or through direct person-to-person contact. Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and stiffness in the neck and limbs. In about 1 in 200 cases, polio leads to irreversible paralysis, and of those affected, 5-10% may die due to paralysis of the breathing muscles.

The polio vaccine, administered in multiple doses, remains the most effective means of prevention. Two types of vaccines are used worldwide: the oral polio vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). Both vaccines are safe and effective, offering long-term protection against the virus. The Pakistani government, along with international partners, continues to roll out vaccination campaigns to protect children from the risk of polio, with the ultimate goal of achieving a polio-free future.


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