Balochistan: anti polio campaign to commence from tomorrow in 33 districts
Health Desk :
A 5-day anti-polio campaign would commence in all 33 districts of Balochistan from tomorrow (Monday). During the campaign, over 2.4 million children under the age of five years would be provided polio drops, Rashid Razzaq, the Chief of Emergency Operation Cell (EOC) said.
The provincial government has also established over 10,000 teams to make sure provision of anti-polio drops to children in all 33 districts. “Parents should come forward and administer polio drops to their children”, Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi, the Parliamentary Secretary on health said.
Balochistan has reported one case in 2021
In 2021, Balochistan has so far reported one polio case. The case reported from the province’s Killa Abdullah district. Quetta, Killa Abdullah and Pishin districts already declared highly sensitive districts when it comes to the crippling virus.
8,692 mobile teams set upÂ
The provincial health department in collaboration with UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO) has set up 8, 692 teams to provide polio drops to children. Polio workers would also be deployed at all bus stops, transit points, fixed spots across the province.
“Parents should join hands with government to battle the crippling virus”, Dr. Rubaba Khan Buledi said. She urged the people to demonstrate responsibility to make the campaign a success.
Chronic refusals in thousands in BalochistanÂ
An official of the EOC who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter revealed that the number of chronic refusals in the three districts is in thousands. EOC, UNICEF, and the health department have formed committees comprising religious scholars to convince chronic refusals.
Security tightenedÂ
The Balochistan government has taken strict security measures to maintain the law and order situation on the eve of the campaign. Levies and police personnel would guard the polio volunteers in all sensitive areas of the province. Terrorists in the past had targeted anti-polio teams in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan.
