WITH the national tally of polio cases rising to 10 following two new confirmations in KP, Pakistan’s ambition to eliminate the virus by year’s end faces a sobering reality check. Though there has been some progress — marked by better campaigns, declining vaccine refusals, and closer coordination — the virus’s persistence in high-risk zones demands sharper, more focused action in the months ahead. The federal health minister’s renewed pledge, reaffirmed during his meeting with Gates Foundation officials, reflects resolve. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s direct involvement through regular high-level reviews adds political heft to the campaign. But political will must now translate into verifiable, ground-level results. The nationwide anti-polio campaign, set for May 26 to June 1, is a crucial test of that commitment.

Each province has ambitious plans: Punjab is targeting over 23m children and has warned of strict action against data manipulation or underperformance. Sindh aims to vaccinate 10.6m children, focusing on persuading parents who decline vaccination to reconsider, and enhanced accountability. KP, where eight of the 10 confirmed cases have occurred, is deploying over 35,000 workers to reach 7.3m children — though southern districts like Lakki Marwat and Bannu remain difficult due to restricted access, insecurity, and local mistrust. Balochistan is aiming to vaccinate more than 2.6m children across the province. In addition to polio drops, children will receive Vitamin A supplements to boost immunity. The campaign’s success, provincial health officials stress, will depend heavily on community support and the engagement of teachers, religious leaders and civil society. However, outreach efforts in some areas remain complicated by security concerns and difficult terrain, which have in the past hindered access to remote communities and put front-line workers at risk. To truly end polio, the authorities must ensure detailed, community-level planning — identifying every child, mapping remote and high-risk areas, and deploying teams with precise, supervised routes to leave no child unvaccinated. Misinformation must be countered through trusted religious figures, medical professionals and digital influencers. Cold-chain maintenance, especially during extreme heat, must be ensured. With Eid approaching and population movement set to increase, the timing of this campaign is critical. Pakistan has the tools and support it needs. What is required now is relentless focus, honest reporting and unified resolve. The last mile is often the hardest — but it is also the most decisive.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2025