ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination (NHSR&C) reported to the National Assembly that from 2018 to 2024, the average number of children vaccinated with the polio vaccine in the nationwide campaigns annually has ranged from 39.3 million to 44.9 million.
In a reply to a question from Asiya Naz Tanoli, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination said to achieve herd immunity against the poliovirus, children under the age of five are vaccinated multiple times a year with the polio vaccine as part of nationwide and subnational polio vaccination campaigns.
On average, 7 to 8 campaigns are conducted annually, consisting of 3 nationwide campaigns and 4 to 5 subnational campaigns. Children in all districts are vaccinated approximately three times a year during nationwide campaigns. Additionally, in high-risk districts, children receive an additional 4 to 5 doses annually through sub-national campaigns.
As a result of intensified polio eradication efforts, the number of districts reporting polio cases has decreased to just six in 2025, reflecting an 82pc decline compared to the previous year. Of the 34 districts that reported polio cases last year, 32 districts (94pc) have not reported any cases in 2025.
Furthermore, many districts have not reported any polio cases for several years or months, as summarized below: As many as 99 districts (62pc) have not reported a polio case in the last 5 years or more. • 22 districts (14pc) have not reported a polio case in the past 3 to 5 years. • 32 districts (20pc) have not reported a polio case in the past 3 months to 1 year. • 6 districts (4pc) have reported polio cases in 2025.
It is important to note that the country as a whole, rather than specific areas, is declared either polio-endemic or polio-free, under global eradication protocols.
Published in News Daily on 15-April-2025.
