Islamabad: As Pakistan prepares for its upcoming Sub-National Polio Vaccination Campaign from November 2 to 8, First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari has called on parents and caregivers to ensure that all children under the age of five receive polio vaccinations during the campaign.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, the campaign aims to vaccinate approximately 24 million children across 97 selected districts, with the assistance of over 200,000 frontline polio workers. The efforts are part of an ongoing nationwide initiative to reach all targeted communities and continue reducing polio cases. Despite a 99.8 percent reduction in polio cases since the national eradication program began in 1994, seven cases have been reported in 2026, underscoring the need for sustained vaccination efforts.

Polio, which has no cure and can lead to lifelong paralysis, remains a preventable disease through vaccination. The First Lady emphasized the importance of every child under five receiving two drops during each campaign, regardless of previous dosages, and urged parents to ensure their children complete routine immunizations on time.

The campaign involves vaccination teams visiting homes, and parents are encouraged to cooperate with frontline workers to ensure no child misses a dose. The First Lady paid tribute to the frontline workers for their dedicated service in reaching communities that are often difficult to access, emphasizing their crucial role in protecting children.

The First Lady also called on community representatives and stakeholders to support the November campaign, stressing the importance of continuing these efforts until Pakistan achieves its goal of being polio-free by June 2027.