Independent Report
QUETTA: The Chief Secretary Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan has categorically stated that the upcoming anti-polio campaign is very important with regard to eradicate polio virus and save our children from the crippling disease and as such stern action would be taken against those who attempted to halt the campaign in the province.
The Chief Secretary said that Frontier Corps would be deployed in some districts to make the anti-polio campaign successful if needed so.
He expressed deep concern over the increased number of polio cases in the province saying that it is a matter of concern that 12 out of total 17 cases have been registered in Balochistan.
He was chairing a high level meeting about the upcoming anti-polio campaign and arrangements made for it, here at his office on Friday.
The Chief Secretary said that the provincial government is mobilizing all resources to ensure eradication of polio virus from the province.
He said that it is unavoidable to stop spread of the polio virus and save our children from the permanent disability.
He on the occasion assured that fool proof security would be provided to all the teams participating in the anti-polio campaign in the province.
He reiterated the government’s resolve to make the anti-polio campaign successful and in this regard, no negligence would be tolerated at all.
He asserted that anyone made attempt to halt the campaign, then stern action would be taken against one.
He said that it is a national issue and as such all of us have to play our role for eradication of the polio.
He said that we have to reach out each and every child during the upcoming and administer anti-polio drops to them.
He said that if three of our campaigns remained successful then we would be able to eradicate the polio virus fully.
The Chief Secretary directed to all the district health officers to ensure their attendance in the evening review meetings. In addition to this, he also directed to all Deputy Commissioners to remain present in the evening review meetings.
He urged the people to cooperate with the administration to convince the parents who refuse to get their children administered during the campaign just because it is a combined issue of the society.
Moreover, he also directed to post all lady health visitors and health workers of the Health department to make the immunization campaign successful.
The officials of line departments would also discharge their duties for success of the campaign.
The Chief Secretary on the occasion also urged the religious leaders, tribal elders and elites to play their wholehearted role to make the campaign successful.
Earlier, it was informed in the briefing that the seven-day anti-polio campaign is scheduled to begin from September 9, 2024.
During the campaign, more than 2.655 million children would be administered the anti-polio drops. Over 11,000 teams would take part in the campaign, it was informed further.
The meeting was also informed that a total of 12 cases of polio have been reported in Balochistan during eight months of current year.
The cases have been reported from Quetta, Chaman, Dera Bugti, Kharan, Killa Abdullah, Killa Saifullah, Jhal Magsi and Zhob districts.
Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary administered the anti-polio vaccine to children marking inauguration of the campaign from Monday.
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