Pakistan Expands Polio Vaccination to Children Up to 15

In a decisive move to eradicate polio once and for all, Pakistan’s Ministry of Health has expanded its polio vaccination campaign to cover children up to 15 years of age. The initiative targets high-risk cities where the virus continues to threaten children’s lives, signaling a new chapter in the country’s fight against this debilitating disease.

Why This Expansion Matters

Polio has long been a silent threat in Pakistan, mostly affecting children under five. However, recent studies and environmental surveillance have shown that older children can still carry and transmit the virus. By extending vaccination coverage to those up to 15 years old, Pakistan is taking proactive action to stop the virus in its tracks.

“Our goal is simple: no child should be left vulnerable to polio,” said a senior health official.

The First Phase: Targeting High-Risk Cities

The first phase of this expanded campaign will begin in November 2025, focusing on three major urban centers:

• Karachi: Around 4 million children will be reached, making it the largest urban vaccination drive in Pakistan’s history.

• Lahore: Approximately 1.5 million children will receive polio drops to ensure full immunity.

• Quetta: In addition to oral drops, injection-based vaccines will be used in areas most affected by poliovirus.

Thousands of health workers, volunteers, and mobile units will be deployed, covering densely populated neighborhoods and remote communities alike.

Challenges Facing the Campaign

Despite careful planning, the campaign faces several hurdles:

• Funding Shortages: Global funding has decreased by 20%, forcing authorities to restructure campaigns and set ambitious timelines.

• Public Awareness: Ensuring parents understand the importance of vaccinating older children is critical.

• Logistical Complexities: Coordinating vaccinations across millions of children in large cities requires meticulous planning and community cooperation.

Polio in Pakistan: The Current Situation

As of 2025, Pakistan has recorded 27 polio cases:

• Sindh: 7 cases

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 18 cases

• Punjab & Gilgit-Baltistan: 1 case each

Though the numbers have declined compared to previous years, experts warn that any gap in vaccination could lead to outbreaks, particularly in urban hubs.

Why Community Participation Is Crucial

Authorities emphasize that every parent, teacher, and community leader has a role to play. Schools will participate actively, local organizations will support awareness campaigns, and media outlets will highlight the importance of polio vaccination.

“Vaccinating children up to 15 ensures that entire communities are protected,” health experts explain.

Global Significance

Pakistan remains one of the last countries where polio is endemic, alongside Afghanistan. Success here contributes directly to global polio eradication efforts, backed by the WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi. A polio-free Pakistan is not only a national victory—it’s a global one.

Looking Forward

The expanded campaign is more than a vaccination drive—it’s a statement of Pakistan’s determination to protect its children and achieve a polio-free future. By including older children and focusing on high-risk areas, authorities hope to achieve near-universal immunity, leaving the virus with nowhere to hide