Sindh Polio Task Force Meets Under CM Shah to Launch February Campaign, Reaffirm Commitment to a Polio-Free Province
\nJanuary 30, 2026<\/p>\n
Karachi, Sindh \u2013 Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, chaired a high-level Polio Task Force meeting today, bringing together senior provincial and district officials, including the Mayor of Karachi, Chief Secretary, IG Police, Commissioners, Secretaries of Health, Education, Local Government, and partners from WHO, UNICEF, and Rotary International. Officials from other divisions also participated via video link.<\/p>\n
CM Shah emphasised that eradicating polio is a national priority. He highlighted the importance of increasing children\u2019s immunity and the critical role of parents, schools, communities, media, and government in achieving a polio-free Sindh.<\/p>\n
Key Updates and Achievements:
\n– Pakistan has reported zero polio cases in 2026, following 74 cases in 2024 and 31 in 2025.
\n– Sindh reported 23 cases in 2024, 9 in 2025, and zero so far in 2026.
\n– Environmental samples from 29 sites show 11 positive for polio, 5 negative, and 13 pending, indicating continued vigilance is needed.<\/p>\n
February 2026 Polio Campaign:
\n– Dates: 2\u20138 February 2026
\n– Target: 10.5 million children under five across 30 districts and 1,490 union councils.
\n– Coverage: Door-to-door polio drops in 8.9 million households.
\n– Workforce: Over 80,000 polio workers supported by 21,000 police and Rangers personnel for security.
\n– Monitoring: Deputy Commissioners at the Union Council level will oversee campaign execution.<\/p>\n
CM Sindh urged media houses to begin every news bulletin with polio awareness messaging, underscoring the media\u2019s critical role in sustaining public engagement and demand for vaccination. He reiterated that no child should be missed during the campaign and emphasised that the safety and security of polio workers and children remain a top priority.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister directed public and private schools to ensure classroom-based vaccination of all children under five. He further instructed the Local Government Department to support intensified cleansing and sanitation activities in high-risk union councils. The Information Department was tasked with liaising closely with relevant stakeholders to strengthen polio awareness and campaign visibility across social media platforms.<\/p>\n
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International, and all partners for their continued support in the province\u2019s polio eradication effort.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"