Islamabad – August 15, 2025: The Pakistan Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI), led by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) for polio eradication, and Ufone 4G announced a strategic partnership to expand polio vaccination messaging through Ufone’s nationwide mobile network and digital platforms.

Public–private partnerships are critical to addressing the complex challenges in eradicating polio in Pakistan. By combining the reach and innovation of the telecommunications industry with the expertise of the PEI, this collaboration can help close immunity gaps and accelerate progress towards a polio-free Pakistan. Through this partnership, awareness SMS messages will be conducted during every national and sub-national vaccination campaign to keep families, especially in underserved and hard-to-reach areas, up to date with timely and accurate information.

“Through this public-private collaboration, Ufone’s technology, outreach, and network will help deliver vital polio awareness messages to hard-to-reach communities and counter misinformation,” said the Prime Minister’s Focal Person (PMFP) for Polio Eradication, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq. She further added, “Eradicating polio is our shared responsibility, a national cause, and a legacy we owe to future generations. I hope today’s initiative inspires many more partnerships—especially in the telecom, technology, and media sectors—to join this cause.”

Saif Uddin Khan, Group Vice President Brands & Communication, PTCL & Ufone 4G, said, “As a proud Pakistani brand, Ufone 4G is committed to using its nationwide network and technological capabilities to serve the greater good. Partnering with the polio program allows us to channel our connectivity to safeguard children’s futures, strengthen public health, and contribute towards building a polio-free Pakistan.”

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to protect every child from preventable diseases and to leverage technology for the greater social good, setting a precedent for how innovation and collaboration can help eliminate polio once and for all.

Note for the Editor:

Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus mainly affecting children under the age of five years. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this crippling disease. Each time a child under the age of five is vaccinated, their protection against the virus is increased. Repeated immunisations have protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become polio-free. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two remaining polio endemic countries globally. 

For further information, please contact: Mr. Syed Farhan Shah, Public Relations Officer, NEOC, +923165011808, syed.farhanshah1990@gmail.com.