First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari has said that only one case has been recorded so far this year as compared to 31 polio cases reported across the country in 2025. However, the threat persists. Appealing for public cooperation, she said that a major polio vaccination campaign is starting across the country on April 13, which aims to protect more than 45 million children under the age of five from the disease.
In a statement issued on Sunday, she described the country as being at a “critical juncture” in its long-standing battle against the virus, emphasising that the upcoming phase represents the “final stretch” where immunising every single child is paramount.
The week-long initiative, running from April 13 to 19, will see frontline health workers conducting door-to-door visits across both urban centres and remote communities. In addition to oral polio drops, youngsters will receive Vitamin A supplements to boost their immunity and support healthy development.
The First Lady pointed to significant progress, noting a sharp decline in cases from 31 reported nationwide in 2025 to just a single case recorded so far this year. However, she cautioned that the threat remains, stating that as long as the poliovirus exists anywhere, it poses a risk everywhere.
She stressed the need for vigilance and consistency, urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated during every campaign, in addition to their routine immunisations. The drive is being conducted in coordination with authorities in Afghanistan to interrupt cross-border transmission of the virus.
Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also paid tribute to the dedication of frontline health workers, whose persistent efforts she called central to the programme”s success in reaching every household.
Concluding her appeal, she called for a “collective resolve,” saying the goal of ending polio is now within reach but depends on the full participation of parents, families, communities and institutions to ensure that no child is left unprotected.