CM Murad asks authorities to boost polio vaccination across Sindh
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday reviewed the progress against poliovirus, noting that Sindh had reduced its polio burden from 23 cases in 2024 and nine in 2025 to just one case so far in 2026. However, environmental surveillance showed that the virus is still present in a few high-risk areas. Chairing a meeting of the Provincial Task Force (PTF) on Polio…
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah recently discussed polio vaccination efforts across the province of Sindh during a meeting of the Provincial Task Force on Polio Eradication. He reported that Sindh had reduced its polio cases from 23 in 2024, down to just one case in 2026. However, environmental surveillance indicated that the virus still persisted in a few high-risk areas.
The CM emphasized the government's commitment to eradicating polio and directed authorities to intensify vaccination, surveillance, and community engagement efforts ahead of the upcoming Sub-National Immunisation Days campaign scheduled for September 21-27. The meeting reviewed preparations for the week-long campaign, which would involve vaccinating nearly 10 million children under five across the province.
Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho highlighted that Pakistan's wild poliovirus cases had dropped significantly from 74 in 2024 to only three in 2026, with Sindh reporting a single case this year. The environment surveillance data showed a significant reduction in virus circulation, with the number of positive sites falling from 29 in March 2025 to just five in August 2026.
The chief minister directed all district administrations to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards missed children, refusals, and operational gaps and emphasized the importance of building trust with parents to ensure the success of the eradication programme.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
