Islamabad: Pakistan’s second nationwide polio vaccination campaign of the year missed its target by around 300,000 children, according to official data. The shortfall is important as the country continues efforts to eliminate the disease. Health authorities say coverage remains high despite operational challenges.
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) reported that more than 44.7 million children under five were vaccinated during the week-long drive. The original target was over 45 million children across the country. Officials said polio drops and vitamin A supplements were administered to strengthen immunity.
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Provincial data showed strong coverage across all regions, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Smaller numbers were recorded in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities said parental cooperation played a key role in achieving high coverage.
Health experts said the number of missed children was not unusual, citing travel and vaccine refusals as common reasons. They noted that previous campaigns often missed up to one million children. Experts stressed that maintaining consistent immunisation is critical ahead of the high transmission season.
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Pakistan remains one of only two countries where polio is still endemic, alongside Afghanistan. Officials reported 31 cases in 2025 and one confirmed case in 2026 so far. Health authorities say continued campaigns are essential to prevent further spread during warmer months.