In Pakistan, children under the age of five, a population larger than that of many countries, are given polio vaccines. In 2025, 44 million children were vaccinated. The challenge of the poliovirus still persists. To defeat the poliovirus, the entire nation must fight together.
In Pakistan, children under the age of five, a population larger than that of many countries, are given polio vaccines. In 2025, 44 million children were vaccinated. The challenge of the poliovirus still persists. To defeat the poliovirus, the entire nation must fight together.
In 2025, Pakistan shot down the Rafale jets of its perennial rival, India, and defeated India on the battlefield. Pakistan’s name echoed across the world, and it emerged victorious and triumphant on the global stage. Operation Binyamin al-Marsoos and the Ma’arka-e-Haq brought historic success to Pakistan. Now, Pakistan faces another enemy: the poliovirus. Pakistanis must now bring down the poliovirus just like they brought down the Indian Rafale jets. We must also win the war against the poliovirus. To achieve a historic victory in the battle against polio, the entire nation must fight the poliovirus.
In Pakistan, the number of children under five who are given the polio vaccine is greater than the population of many countries. In 2025, 44 million children under five were administered polio vaccine drops. This is not a small number; it is not a small challenge. And you know what the target is? Yes, the target is to bring polio cases down to zero.
In 2025, after significant efforts, considerable success and progress were made. While 74 cases were reported in 2024, under the direction and resolve of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a vigorous nationwide campaign was launched against the poliovirus in 2025. Children under five were given polio vaccine drops every six weeks, resulting in the number of children affected by the poliovirus decreasing from 74 to 33 over the year—a reduction of more than half. However, the poliovirus is still present in environmental samples from three areas.
The good news is that there was no new case in Balochistan for the entire year. The situation in Punjab has also been brought under control. The challenge now lies in Karachi and a few other major cities. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), many areas face problems due to security issues, with nearly 400,000 children missing the polio vaccine. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, around 200,000 children were deprived of the polio vaccine because polio vaccination teams could not reach them.
The entire nation must rise, unite, and ensure that the polio vaccine reaches every child. It is also essential to protect the polio vaccination teams. They must be provided security and treated with kindness because polio workers are our heroes. They are saving the lives of our children and future generations, and they are playing their role in protecting them. Treat them with love, compassion, and respect. Welcome them at your doorstep, and ensure that no child is left behind. If a child misses the polio vaccine drops, the dream of eradicating this disease will not become a reality.
The poliovirus has been found in environmental samples from various regions of Pakistan and all four provinces. This is a matter of concern, and we must eliminate it, bring it down to zero. There is no harm in repeatedly administering polio vaccine drops to children. Doctors say this vaccine is the best in the world, and there is no alternative to it for preventing polio. Therefore, whenever polio vaccination teams visit your home, ensure your children receive the polio vaccine drops every time.
The number of children under five in Pakistan increases every year. Reaching 44 million children with polio vaccine drops is a massive challenge. People must play their part and support this effort. Most countries in the world have already eradicated polio, and we can too. It is crucial to dispel the various misconceptions people have in this regard. Polio vaccine drops are the only way to protect children from polio; there is no other cure. Remember, polio is incurable, and it can lead to lifelong disability in children. To secure the future of our children, please ensure they receive polio vaccine drops.
By Salik Majeed editor jeeveypakistan.com Karachi
