KARACHI, September 21, 2026 — A week-long polio vaccination campaign in Karachi will begin today, with health authorities aiming to vaccinate around 2.5 million children under the age of five across the city.
The campaign will run from September 21 to September 27, with preparations completed in coordination with health officials, vaccination teams, district administrations and international partners.
Polio Teams to Visit Homes Across Karachi
Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi directed deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to remain active in the field and closely monitor the vaccination drive.
Officials said vaccination workers have completed their briefing and training. Teams will begin moving into the field between 8am and 9am each morning to administer polio drops to eligible children.
Special attention will be given to areas where vaccination coverage has remained low during previous campaigns.
Authorities Seek Community Cooperation
The Karachi administration has also contacted local communities to encourage cooperation with vaccination teams. Meetings with doctors and community representatives, including jirga sessions, have been held as part of efforts to improve participation.
Officials have instructed district administrations to support vaccination teams and ensure appropriate security arrangements throughout the campaign.
Sindh Polio Campaign Targets Millions of Children
The Karachi campaign is part of a wider Sindh anti-polio drive running from September 21 to 27. Across the province, health authorities plan to vaccinate nearly 10 million children under five, with more than 80,000 frontline workers involved.
Sindh has reported one confirmed polio case in 2026 so far, while environmental surveillance continues to detect poliovirus in some areas of Karachi. Officials have therefore identified continued vaccination and community engagement as important parts of the eradication effort.
At the national level, Pakistan’s next campaign is scheduled for the same September 21–27 period and aims to reach nearly 31 million children.
supernews.pk