Copyright pakobserver
An injectable polio vaccine campaign (fIPV) has begun across 122 high-risk union councils of Lahore on Monday. Minister for Health and Population Khawaja Imran Nazir and Secretary Health Nadia Saqib inaugurated the drive, which will continue until November 12, targeting children aged 4 months to 15 years. Over 1.6 million children are expected to be vaccinated through this intensive effort. Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir said that Punjab continues to be recognised for its strong disease surveillance, high immunity levels, and readiness to respond swiftly to any risk. He noted that environmental surveillance indicates sustained control of poliovirus in most locations, yet the risk persists due to virus movement from other provinces and international borders. “Our priority is to remain vigilant and continue building population immunity until transmission ends everywhere in Pakistan,” he said. “Children who repeatedly miss vaccination remain our biggest vulnerability. Every single child must be vaccinated in every campaign.” The Minister added that seasonal virus transmission patterns make the coming months critical, urging parents to take full advantage of the vaccine opportunity to protect their children. Nadia Saqib highlighted that Punjab has already conducted four high-impact national campaigns this year, including the October National Immunisation Days (NIDs). She noted that the department is continuously improving micro-planning, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and adopting innovations such as real-time monitoring technologies to ensure quality and timely response. “We are coordinating with districts daily to ensure high-quality implementation,” she said. “Political commitment remains strong and unwavering, with cabinet-level oversight, interdepartmental coordination, and district accountability ensuring faster response to emerging risks.” She added that support from the Chief Minister, who is personally leading polio eradication reviews, has further improved progress and responsiveness. Emphasising the importance of the injectable vaccine, she said, “fIPV provides an additional layer of protection by boosting immunity, especially where environmental virus detections are recorded.” Head of the polio programme in Punjab, Adeel Tasawur, said that Punjab is closer to interrupting poliovirus transmission but must not become complacent. “Together—with parents, communities, health workers, and the media—we will deliver a polio-free Pakistan,” he stated.
