LAHORE: Highlighting the significant reduction in polio cases in Pakistan since the launch of the national polio eradication programme, Punjab EOC Coordinator Khalid Parvaiz said that 9.2 million children will be reached in the next drive being launched from Nov 2 in 11 districts of the province.
He said this while addressing a painting exhibition at a private university in Lahore to mark the World Polio Day under the theme “Shukriya Polio Workers”, aimed at paying tribute to frontline workers.
Thirty students showcased their paintings at the event to recognise the tireless efforts of polio workers and highlight the importance of vaccination in the global effort to eradicate the disease. Students demonstrating outstanding performance were awarded prizes in recognition of their artistic contributions and efforts to raise awareness about polio eradication.
Speaking at the event, Uzma Kardar, chief minister’s focal person for polio, said that sustained efforts to eradicate polio since the early 1990s had protected millions of children from lifelong disability.
She highlighted the significant decline in polio cases worldwide, emphasising that vaccination had played a pivotal role in bringing the world closer to eradicating the disease. She stressed that sustained vaccination and parental cooperation were essential to achieving a polio-free Pakistan.
She said, “Every child must receive polio drops during every campaign to maintain the progress made over decades and protect future generations from this preventable disease.”
Punjab EOC Coordinator Khalid Parvaiz said that consistent vaccination efforts had been instrumental in protecting children and bringing the country closer to eliminating the disease. He emphasised that every polio campaign was an opportunity to strengthen children’s immunity and sustain the gains achieved through years of collective effort.
He urged parents to cooperate with vaccination teams and ensure that every child under five received polio drops during every campaign, stressing that sustained community participation was essential to ending polio transmission in Pakistan.
“Punjab is preparing for its next polio eradication campaign from Nov 2 to 8 across 11 districts, targeting 9.2 million children under five. Frontline polio workers will once again go door-to-door to vaccinate children and protect them against the poliovirus. Parents and caregivers are urged to welcome vaccination teams and ensure that every eligible child receives polio drops during the campaign, regardless of previous vaccination status,” he said.
Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026
