Lahore: In a major step toward eradicating polio, the Punjab government has launched an Extended-Age Fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) Campaign, targeting around two million children aged 4 months to 15 years in Lahore. The campaign, running until November 12, focuses on 122 high-risk union councils, where environmental samples have detected the virus.
The injectable vaccine provides stronger immunity than the traditional oral polio vaccine and is being used to protect older children, who experts say are now contributing to virus transmission. Speaking at the launch, Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazeer said, “Every single child must be vaccinated to end transmission in the province.” Secretary Nadia Saqib added that fIPV gives an essential boost to immunity in areas with confirmed poliovirus.
Over 10,800 frontline workers, including vaccinators, assistants, and community mobilisers, are participating in the campaign. Health experts described the initiative as a critical step, noting that Lahore remains the only polio reservoir in Punjab. Following this drive, similar campaigns are planned in other high-risk cities such as Karachi, Hyderabad, and Chaman.
Meanwhile, police rescued a group of female polio workers who were assaulted and detained by staff at a private school in Gulberg Town, Lahore. One worker sustained a head injury. The Punjab Chief Minister intervened immediately, and a case has been registered against the school staff.