The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for Polio Eradication in Pakistan met in Islamabad from 24–26 June 2025 to review progress against the epidemiological milestones set in January and recommend actions in support of the global goal to interrupt polio transmission.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the national and provincial emergency operations centres (EOCs), officials from the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MONHRC) and Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partner agencies. The Minister of Health inaugurated the opening session; the recommendation session was joined by chief secretaries from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and the Commissioner of Islamabad.
Held at a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s eradication efforts, against the backdrop of reduced global health financing, the TAG meeting aimed to reinforce momentum and sharpen operational focus.
Southern KP, a major source of virus spread, remains a major concern for the global polio eradication programme due to continued intense transmission.
Progress noted across provinces
TAG acknowledged the significant amount of work undertaken across provinces over the previous 6 months, including dedicated efforts to reduce the number of missed children, improve campaign quality and unlock access in key areas. The Peshawar bloc – part of the northern epidemiological corridor – has not reported any cases since 2020, an important milestone.
Ongoing transmission highlights persistent risks
Despite these advances, wild poliovirus transmission has continued through the traditionally low transmission season, underscoring the urgency of strengthening consistent campaign access and coverage, particularly in core poliovirus priority areas. Challenges relating to access, campaign quality and zero-dose children require urgent attention and action at all levels. Alongside southern KP, the Karachi and Quetta blocs, central Pakistan and Lahore remain key geographies for the programme.
Jean-Marc Olivé, Chair of the Technical Advisory Group, remarked in his closing statement: “The virological picture can go one of two ways – persistent transmission with risk of renewed outbreak going into the next high season, or progressive reduction in detections to the point of sustainable interruption. Which path the country takes is entirely in the hands of the programme.”
TAG recommendations: strategic priorities
- Maximize immunization in southern KP
Ensure the highest quality supplementary immunization campaign/activities (SIAs) in all areas, regardless of access modality. Scale up essential immunization through intensive outreach and community engagement.
- High-quality SIAs in core reservoirs
Conduct 5–6 SIAs that consistently achieve over 90% quality (as measured by Lot Quality Assurance Sampling) in core transmission areas. This requires excellence in vaccinator performance, microplanning, training, community and mobilization, and real-time monitoring to allow for course correction.
- Strengthen the routine immunization system
Achieve immunization coverage above 80% by strengthening both fixed and outreach services. A trusted and reliable essential immunization system is critical to sustaining eradication gains and preventing resurgence.
A decisive moment for Pakistan
TAG emphasized that with strong leadership, focused implementation and community trust Pakistan can achieve zero polio. The coming months will be decisive in determining the trajectory of transmission and the country’s success in interrupting the virus once and for all.
The next TAG meeting will be convened in January 2026. TAG will be available for ad hoc consultations to review progress.
The report of the meeting is available here: TAG Report June 2025
