NEOC Spokesperson Sees Polio Improvement, Calls For Parental Support In 18–24 May Drive In Targeted 79 Districts

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th May, 2026) Spokesperson of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), Dr Israr ul Haq, on Friday, noted a promising decline in polio cases in 2026, stressing the need for stakeholder cooperation and public participation in the Sub-National Immunization drive scheduled for 18–24 May in 79 districts, while appealing to parents for full compliance.

While speaking in an exclusive conversation with a local media outlet, a NEOC official stressed that achieving a polio-free future for children is a collective national duty, calling on parents to fully support vaccination teams in their efforts.

He also urged families to welcome health workers and ensure that every eligible child is administered the essential polio drops without delay.

Dr Israr ul Haq further highlighted the current progress in polio eradication efforts in Pakistan, stating that only three cases have been reported this year, with two from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and one from Sindh.

He said that although the reduction in cases is encouraging, it is still premature to celebrate and sustained efforts are required to fully eliminate the disease.

He emphasized that the fight against polio remains ongoing and demands continuous vigilance and cooperation from all segments of society.

Dr Israr ul Haq appealed to parents, religious scholars and tribal elders to actively support the upcoming Sub-National Immunization Drive scheduled from 18 to 24 May across 79 targeted districts. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring that no child is left unvaccinated.

He further noted that a multi-dimensional strategy is being adopted to address vaccine refusal cases, combining community engagement, awareness campaigns, and field-level coordination to strengthen immunization coverage and move closer to a polio-free Pakistan.

Responding to a query, he said that more than 10 million children are being covered under the ongoing immunization drive, with special focus on high-risk and hard-to-reach areas where operational challenges remain significant.

He also noted that polio cases have shown a declining trend compared to previous years, reflecting improved surveillance, stronger vaccination coverage, and sustained national efforts to control the virus.