Peshawar Fights Polio: Booster Campaign Launched

Peshawar has initiated a crucial six-day polio booster dose campaign, commencing on Monday, October 26, 2026. The effort is focused on 48 high-risk union councils within the district, with the goal of administering vital doses to 1,111,107 children. This campaign specifically targets children between the ages of four months and 10 years.

The primary objective is to bolster children's immunity against poliovirus and curb its spread, particularly in locations where environmental samples have confirmed its presence. Recent polio cases in Khyber district and the wider province underscore the ongoing risk.

During the campaign, over 1,728 trained polio teams and 1,383 social mobilizers are actively engaged. They will be present at schools, health facilities, and community vaccination points to ensure widespread access. Additionally, children aged five to 10 years in the targeted areas will receive oral polio vaccine drops. Security measures have been implemented to protect the vaccination teams.

Authorities are urging parents to ensure their children receive the booster dose to prevent lifelong disability from polio. Support from religious scholars, healthcare professionals, and civil society is also being sought to guarantee maximum coverage for all eligible children.