The National Anti-Polio Campaign (February 2026) was formally inaugurated at the Medical Center, Rawal Town, Islamabad, through an official launch ceremony. The event was presided over by the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Focal Person for the Polio Eradication Programme, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, who emphasized the government’s continued commitment to eliminating polio from the country.

Addressing the ceremony, District Health Officer Islamabad, Dr. Syeda Rashida Batool, highlighted that the complete eradication of polio requires a coordinated strategy, strong field-level performance, and sustained parental cooperation, along with joint efforts from all relevant stakeholders. She paid tribute to the dedication and tireless efforts of frontline health workers and polio teams, acknowledging their crucial role in ensuring that polio drops reach every child without exception.

The ceremony was attended by Canadian High Commissioner Tariq Ali Khan, DG Health MCI, the Additional Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, as well as officials from the National and District Emergency Operations Centers (NEOC/DEOC), reflecting strong national and international support for Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts.