Polio in Pakistan > Eradication

Eradication Strategy

The Global Polio Eradication Initiative has worked hand in hand with governments and global partners to eradicate poliovirus worldwide, bringing about a substantial 99% reduction in global cases.

However, wild poliovirus remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and interrupting virus transmission in this one epidemiological block is critical to reaching zero polio.

Pakistan's Mission & Challenges

Benefiting from the unwavering commitment of the Government of Pakistan, the National Polio Eradication Programme remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate poliovirus, ensuring a healthier future for children, both within the country and globally.

⚠ Key Hurdles to Zero Polio

Despite significant strides, several challenges persist in high-risk areas due to complex socioeconomic and security environments:

Operational gaps in programme delivery
Inconsistent access to vulnerable children due to insecurity
Vaccine hesitancy and refusals
Demand-based boycotts
Massive population movements

A Comprehensive Roadmap (2024–2025)

To finish the job, the Programme has developed a detailed roadmap to enhance operational and managerial capacities to eradication levels. The goal is to ensure that the circulation of poliovirus is interrupted across the country by June 2025.

PHASE I

Resetting to Eradication Level

July 2024 – August 2024

PHASE 2

Reversing Current Virological Trends

September 2024 – December 2024

PHASE 3

Targeting Remaining Virus Pockets

January 2025 – June 2025

Key Programmatic Components

Renewed Oversight & Accountability

Revitalizing and empowering a strong core group to take decisions. This includes data-driven and participatory decision-making by multidisciplinary Task Teams and critical reviews by the National Polio Management Team.

Addressing Critical Gaps & Synergy

Achieving focused EPI-PEI synergy to reduce zero-dose and defaulter children in highest risk UCs. Implementing Integrated Service Delivery (ISD) including Health Camps.

Vaccination Campaigns (SIAs)

Implementing multiple nationwide and sub-national campaigns, reaching missed children through complementary activities, resolving community boycotts, and prioritizing synchronization with the Afghanistan programme.

Enhancing Community Trust

Promoting vaccination as a collective societal responsibility using Integrated Human-Centered Design (HCD) and behavioral insights into social behavior change interventions.

Rapid Outbreak Response & Prevention

Risk-based aggressive outbreak response for each detection, amplifying vaccination for special populations, preventing re-establishment of transmission, and enhancing cross-border coordination.

Sustaining Gains (Late 2025 – 2026)

Relapse prevention strategies involving high surveillance sensitivity, a robust SIA calendar, and maintaining high routine immunization coverage throughout the country.

National Emergency Action Plan

Download the full PDF report for the period of July 2024 – June 2025

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