ISLAMABAD: WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to making Pakistan polio-free, commending the country’s strong political resolve to eradicate the virus.
During a meeting in Geneva with Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, the Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication, Dr. Tedros discussed Pakistan’s progress and strategic efforts under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to overcome challenges.
The talks emphasized a “final sprint” to eliminate polio by 2026, focusing on large-scale vaccination campaigns in Pakistan and Afghanistan, enhancing coordination between the Polio Eradication Initiative and the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, securing global support for the ‘Roadmap to Zero Polio,’ and ensuring real-time, expert guidance to address operational and communication barriers.
Ms. Farooq thanked the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) for its ongoing assistance. Dr. Tedros praised Pakistan’s efforts and pledged continued advocacy with international donors, expressing confidence in achieving a polio-free future through sustained efforts and collaboration.
This progress comes after Pakistan reported 31 polio cases in 2025, including a recent case confirmed in North Waziristan, where a four-month-old girl tested positive for wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1). This marked the fifth case from North Waziristan and the 31st nationwide.
Polio remains a highly contagious and incurable disease leading to permanent paralysis. Health officials emphasize that repeated oral polio vaccine (OPV) doses and timely routine immunization are vital for protecting children under five.
As per the 2025–26 roadmap, Pakistan will conduct comprehensive vaccination campaigns alongside routine immunization enhancements. The first nationwide drive in 2026 is scheduled for February 2–8, aiming to vaccinate over 45 million children, focusing on high-risk areas in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities urge parents to vaccinate their children in every campaign and highlight the need for community cooperation, responsible media, and countering misinformation to achieve a polio-free Pakistan.
