“Every Drop, Every Child”: Sindh Launches 2026’s First National Polio Drive to Protect 10.4 Million
Sidra Arif
KARACHI, Sindh – The battle for a polio-free future entered a decisive new phase today, February 2, 2026, as the Government of Sindh launched Pakistan’s first National Polio Vaccination Campaign of the year.
The week-long offensive aims to reach a staggering 10.4 million children under the age of five across the province. This campaign is part of a synchronized effort with Afghanistan, designed to create a "wall of immunity" across both sides of the border to halt the cross-border transmission of the virus.
A Year of High Stakes and Hard-Won Gains
Coming off a year of significant progress, Sindh enters 2026 with strong momentum. Data reveals a sharp decline in polio cases, dropping from 23 in 2024 to 9 in 2025. While the province has reported zero cases so far in 2026, health officials warn that environmental surveillance still detects the virus in urban hubs, particularly Karachi.
"The progress is real, but the risk remains," stated the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Sindh. "Until every environmental sample is clean and every child is reached, we cannot afford a moment of complacency."
The Workforce Behind the Mission
To achieve total coverage, a massive "health army" has been deployed:
* 80,000+ Frontline Workers: Trained teams are currently moving door-to-door in every neighborhood.
* Security & Administration: Law enforcement agencies and district administrations are providing full-scale support to ensure the safety of workers and the success of the drive.
* The "Repeat" Strategy: Health experts emphasized that even if a child has been vaccinated previously, they must receive the two drops again this week to build the necessary immunity to break the transmission cycle.
Why Karachi is the Priority
As a critical epidemiological bloc, Karachi’s dense population and high mobility make it the program's primary focus. The February drive specifically targets urban immunity gaps where the virus often finds a foothold. The provincial government is working in lockstep with community leaders and the media to ensure that no child is missed due to misinformation or scheduling conflicts.
A Call to Families
The EOC Sindh is urging parents to welcome health workers into their homes. "The polio vaccine is the only shield against lifelong paralysis," officials noted. "By ensuring your child receives two drops, you are not just protecting your family—you are helping protect the future of all of Sindh."
Media & Public Information
The Government of Sindh has opened its doors to media partners to facilitate transparent reporting. Spokespeople from EOC Sindh, technical experts, and frontline heroes are available for interviews to discuss the campaign’s progress.
