QUETTA: The Coordinator of the Emergency Operation Centre in Balochistan, Syed Zahid Shah, has announced the commencement of a 7-day Anti-Polio drive across the entire province starting from January 8 (Monday).
The campaign aims to vaccinate a targeted 2.6 million children, emphasizing the province’s commitment to maintaining its polio-free status.
Syed Zahid Shah highlighted that Balochistan has not reported a single case of polio since 2021. However, he raised concerns about the detection of the polio virus in environmental samples from five districts, namely Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, Hub, and Dera Bugti. Despite the absence of clinical cases, the virus presence in environmental samples underscores the persistent threat.
To address this threat, Shah emphasized the utilization of all available resources and the determination of polio teams to eradicate the virus. Acknowledging the efforts of polio workers, he commended their dedication even in challenging weather conditions, noting that Balochistan has been declared polio-free for two consecutive years.
ALSO READ: Ulema’s Role Inevitable in Eradicating Polio: PM
During the campaign, a total of 11,399 teams will be deployed, comprising 9,116 mobile teams, 958 fixed sites, and 630 transit points teams. Security arrangements for the polio workers have been completed to ensure their safety. Shah reiterated that the commitment to eradicating poliovirus remains unwavering, emphasizing that efforts will persist until the threat is entirely eliminated.
While appreciating the positive outcomes achieved thus far, Shah urged parents to welcome polio teams at their doorsteps and ensure their children receive the vaccine. He reminded parents that routine immunizations are crucial for protecting children from various diseases and viruses. Shah called upon the media, civil society, clerics, and people from all walks of life to actively contribute to the initiative to eradicate polio from Balochistan.
As winter weather prompts travel, especially for families moving to other cities, Shah recommended vaccinating children at transit points to prevent the spread of the polio virus and protect both local and visiting children.
