Summary Maryam Nawaz urged parents to vaccinate children under five against polio, saying Punjab reported no cases this year. A new vaccination campaign is scheduled for November 2-8, 2026.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reaffirmed her commitment to eliminating polio from the province, urging parents, healthcare workers and communities to support vaccination campaigns on World Polio Day.
In her special message, the chief minister praised frontline polio workers as national heroes, emphasising that collective efforts are essential to protect children and build a healthier society.
Maryam Nawaz said polio vaccines are safe and effective, stressing that refusing vaccination puts children's health and future at risk. She urged parents to ensure that every child under five receives two drops of the polio vaccine during each campaign.
She said Punjab has reported no polio cases so far this year. The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre and the Health Department are continuing efforts to eradicate the disease, with regular vaccination campaigns conducted across Lahore and other districts.
She added that more than 10 million children under five had received polio drops across 13 high-risk districts. Environmental samples are also being tested regularly throughout the province to monitor the possible spread of the virus.
Maryam Nawaz said preparations had been completed for a sub-national polio vaccination campaign scheduled for November 2 to 8, 2026, in selected districts of Punjab alongside the nationwide initiative. District health management teams, World Health Organization representatives and local administrations will help oversee the campaign.
The chief minister cautioned that continued vigilance is necessary to prevent the virus from returning. She called on parents, medical personnel, vaccination teams and the public to work together to protect children from lifelong disability and ensure a healthier future for the next generation.
