Balochistan set to initiate seven-day anti-polio campaign to vaccinate around 2.6 million children

Independent Report

QUETTA: Ali is set to initiate seven-day anti-polio campaign in Balochistan from today (Monday).
The Coordinator Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for Eradication of Polio in Balochistan, Syed Zahid Shah told that all the necessary arrangements have been finalized for the polio immunization campaign in the province.
According to the EOC Coordinator, approximately 2.596 million children below five years of age would be administered anti-polio vaccine in all districts of the province.
In all 11,399 teams have been formed to achieve the target of immunization in the province. These are included 9,116 mobile teams, 958 fixed site teams and 630 transit points teams.
The EOC Coordinator mentioned that all the anti-polio teams participating in the elections would be provided wholehearted security during the campaign.
He informed that no fresh polio case been reported since January 2021. However, it is a matter of concern that the polio virus has been detected in the environmental samples of five districts including Quetta, Hub, Pishin, Chaman and Dera Bugti.
Syed Zahid Shah said that all available resources are being mobilized to eradicate the polio virus from the province.
He mentioned that Balochistan has been polio free province for last two years. In this regard, the sincere efforts made by the polio workers and other concerned have been remarkable, adding he commended.
However, he urged the parents to ensure vaccination of their children against the virus in the upcoming campaign.
Undoubtedly the absence of any reported polio cases in the province since January 2021 indicates the effectiveness of previous vaccination efforts and surveillance systems. Continuous vaccination campaigns and surveillance are vital in maintaining this disease-free status and working towards the ultimate goal of complete polio eradication.
Therefore, it’s important to continue such campaigns, raise awareness, and ensure that every child receives polio drops to sustain this positive trend and prevent any resurgence of polio in Balochistan.