Sindh has launched an ambitious polio vaccination campaign targeting over 10.6 million children, reaffirming its mission to eliminate the virus. The drive, inaugurated by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on April 21, aims to protect children from lifelong paralysis and strengthen Pakistan’s battle against polio.
Week-Long Drive Across Sindh
The campaign will run from April 21 to 27 and will cover every district of Sindh, including 2.76 million children in Karachi alone. It is part of a broader national effort as Pakistan remains one of only two countries—alongside Afghanistan—where polio is still endemic.
CM Murad Ali Shah personally administered the first polio drops at the inauguration ceremony. He emphasized the provincial government’s commitment to ensuring no child is left unvaccinated.
Massive Workforce on the Ground
The campaign relies on a dedicated team of 69,724 trained frontline workers. These workers will go door-to-door, visit schools, shopping centers, and transit points to reach children under five.
To ensure smooth operations and the safety of health workers, the government has deployed 25,360 police personnel throughout Sindh. This coordinated effort reflects the seriousness of the mission.
Read: PM Shehbaz Launches Anti-Polio Campaign
Support for Workers in Harsh Weather
Recognizing the challenges posed by the ongoing heatwave, CM Murad praised the resilience of the vaccination teams. To support their efforts, the government is providing water, oral rehydration salts (ORS), and other essential supplies to keep them hydrated and safe in the field.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
CM Murad also addressed concerns about vaccine safety, reminding parents that the same vaccine is routinely administered to pilgrims traveling for Haj and Umrah. He stressed the importance of repeat vaccinations, even for children recently immunized.
“Polio has no cure. The only protection is through vaccination,” he stated. “Even if your child was vaccinated recently, they should still receive the drops during this drive. It’s safe and essential.”
Cold Chain Integrity Maintained
To maintain the effectiveness of the vaccine, the government is strictly monitoring the cold chain logistics. CM Murad assured that vaccines will remain potent and safe until they reach every child.
Appeal to Parents and Communities
The chief minister called on all parents and caregivers to cooperate fully with the vaccination teams. “Don’t turn them away. This campaign is about safeguarding our future,” he said.
With the last nationwide polio case reported in February 2025, health officials remain cautiously optimistic. Efforts like these in Sindh aim to maintain that momentum and finally eliminate polio from Pakistan’s soil.
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