Punjab has stepped up preparations for the upcoming National Immunization Days (NIDs) starting from April 13, with large-scale trainings and improved transit vaccination plans to ensure that every child is protected against polio.
Health authorities have launched an extensive training drive across the province to prepare teams for the campaign. So far, 20,581 Union Council Medical Officers and Area In-Charges have been trained in microplanning, supervision, and campaign management. Officials say the goal is to improve field performance, strengthen monitoring, and maintain accountability throughout the drive.
Frontline health workers, who play a key role in door-to-door vaccination, are also receiving detailed training. Out of more than 180,000 workers, over 118,000 have already completed their sessions, while the remaining are being trained in ongoing workshops. In addition, more than 50,000 workers have taken part in an online assessment to ensure training standards are met and skills are properly evaluated. Team trainings across districts are expected to be completed by April 9, ahead of the official launch.
Alongside house-to-house visits, authorities have strengthened vaccination at transit points to reach children who are traveling. Permanent and special transit teams have been deployed at major interprovincial borders, check posts, airports, and areas with large public gatherings. Vaccination teams have been stationed at key locations including Attock Khurd, Dajil Check Post in Bhakkar, and Bawata and Trimmim check posts in DG Khan. Special arrangements have also been made at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and Islamabad International Airport to vaccinate children on the move.
Extra measures have been introduced during major religious gatherings, particularly during the annual Urs of Hazrat Sakhi Sarwar. Transit teams have been placed at important shrines in DG Khan and Multan, including Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya, Shah Rukn-e-Alam, and Hazrat Shah Shams Tabrez. These temporary vaccination setups will remain active for a month to ensure maximum coverage.
With comprehensive training and strategic deployment across the province, health officials say Punjab is fully prepared to run a high-quality campaign aimed at safeguarding every child and continuing progress toward a polio-free future.
