ICT polio drive reaches 148,783 children on day one, 447,614 target set for campaign

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) The first day of Islamabad’s third anti-polio campaign of 2026 concluded with polio teams administering drops to 148,783 children, achieving 33 percent of the overall target of 447,614 children across the Federal capital, officials said on Sunday.

A review meeting on the progress of the campaign was held under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Uzair Ali Khan. Officials from the district administration and health department attended the session to assess the performance of polio workers and discuss challenges faced during field operations.

During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that the campaign aims to vaccinate 447,614 children in Islamabad during the ongoing drive. On the first day alone, teams managed to vaccinate 148,783 children, covering one-third of the total target.

Authorities said polio teams are visiting homes, schools and public places to ensure that children under the required age group receive vaccination drops. Health workers have been deployed across urban and rural areas of the capital as part of efforts to increase coverage during the campaign.

Officials also reviewed arrangements related to the security of polio teams.

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The Additional Deputy Commissioner East examined measures taken for the protection of health workers performing duties in different sectors and areas of Islamabad.

Speaking during the meeting, ADC Headquarters Uzair Ali Khan said all available resources were being used to provide facilities and support to polio teams so the campaign could continue without interruption. He said the administration and health authorities were working together to improve coordination and ensure access to every child in the capital territory.

He appealed to citizens to cooperate fully with polio workers during the campaign and allow teams to vaccinate children at homes, schools and other locations.

Officials said public cooperation remains necessary for the success of the campaign and for efforts aimed at eliminating the virus completely from the country.

Islamabad administration officials said monitoring of field teams and daily performance reviews would continue during the campaign to improve coverage and address operational issues on time.

The anti-polio drive is being carried out under the supervision of district authorities and health officials, with teams continuing door-to-door visits in different parts of the federal capital over the coming days.