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Pakistan and Afghanistan launch first polio vaccination campaigns of 2026

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD/KABUL - Pakistan and Afghanistan on Monday launched the first polio vaccination campaigns of 2026, stepping up coordinated efforts to eliminate the virus in the region, officials said.

n Pakistan, authorities rolled out a nationwide campaign targeting children under five, following a sharp decline in cases over the past two years. No polio cases have been reported in Pakistan so far in 2026, compared with 31 cases in 2025 and 74 in 2024, reflecting strengthened surveillance, enhanced immunization strategies, and improved coordination between federal and provincial authorities.

A media briefing last week in Islamabad was addressed by Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication, and Muhammad Anwar ul Haq, coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). Officials emphasized the importance of vaccinating every child to close remaining immunity gaps.

“The February 2026 nationwide campaign is critical to protecting every child under five,” Farooq said. “Even a single case remains a threat, and complacency is not an option.”

The campaign is expected to continue for four days, with frontline health workers, supported by security personnel and partner organizations, conducting door-to-door vaccination drives across the country.

In Afghanistan, the Ministry of Public Health said a sub-national campaign was also launched on Monday across 18 provinces. At least nine polio cases were confirmed in 2025, highlighting the challenges of eradicating the disease in a post-conflict setting. Officials said the campaign aims to protect millions of children and prevent the virus from spreading further.

Polio remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Health authorities in both countries have stressed the need for cross-border coordination, sustained political commitment, and community engagement to interrupt transmission and achieve a polio-free region.