This article describes the "Bowl Out Polio" campaign, which was launched in India to support the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and encourage polio vaccination in the general public. In an effort to boost participation in the November 2007 immunisation rounds, top cricket players from India and Pakistan made appearances at vaccination booths and administered oral polio drops (OPV) to children. As cricket is the favourite sport in the country, it is hoped that strategies such as this one will help deliver positive polio immunisation messages to an audience of millions by reaching the fans attending the sporting event.

According to this article, the campaign has been successful in mobilising some of the most well-known cricketers in the region, who have been enthusiastic about joining the campaign and contributing to protecting children's health in India. The cricketers have been influential at both the national and sub-national levels, most importantly within the high-risk polio states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. As part of the ongoing crusade, they are speaking publicly about the importance of polio vaccination, making television announcements during cricket matches, immunising children, and participating in field and other various immunisation activities.

UNICEF Pakistan website, January 7 2008.