Manan Mandokhail:
QUETTA: An extensive anti-polio campaign will commence across 14 districts of Balochistan, aiming to immunize over 1.88 million children. The Coordinator of the Emergency Operation Center, Zahid Shah, announced that this seven-day drive will target Quetta, Pashin, Qila Abdullah, Chaman, Daki, Lasbela, and Khuzdar, among others.
Zahid Shah detailed that the campaign will also cover Hub, Chagai, Zhob, Nushki, Qila Saifullah, Loralai, and Mastung. He emphasized the scale of the operation, which will involve over 7,000 dedicated teams working to administer the polio vaccine to children under the age of five.
However, the campaign’s start in six districts—Naseerabad, Sibi, Jafarabad, Aosta Muhammad, Dera Bugti, and Sahabpur—has been postponed due to a forecasted heatwave. These districts will commence their polio vaccination efforts on June 8.
Balochistan Reported 3 Cases This Year: Zahid Shah
“This campaign is critical,” said Zahid Shah. “We have reported three polio cases this year in Balochistan, specifically from Qila Abdullah, Chaman, and Dera Bugti. The presence of the polio virus in the environment necessitates this urgent response to protect our children.”
The anti-polio drive underscores the ongoing efforts of health authorities to eradicate polio in the region and prevent further outbreaks. The involvement of numerous teams and extensive planning highlights the commitment to public health and the protection of future generations.
