Syed Ali Shah:
No polio case has been reported in Balochistan for the last 21 months. However, the danger of the crippling virus still exists in the province. This information was given by Syed Zahid Shah, the Coordinator Emergency Operation Cell (EOC) while talking to journalists in Quetta on Thursday afternoon.
EOC officials including Dr. Aftab Kakar, Dr. Najeeb, Zafar Baloch, Shah Pur Khan, Masooma Qurban, Basit Khan and Dastagir Khilji were also present on the occasion. The EOC officials thoroughly briefed the journalists with regard to the prevailing threat of poliovirus in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. They discussed all ways and means with journalists to eradicate the crippling virus from Balochistan.
Also Read: Polio a national issue: CS Balochistan
No polio cases since January 2021 in Balochistan
Mr. Shah mentioned that since January 2021, no polio case has been reported from any part of Balochistan. This is a good and positive sign, he said. He however warned that the virus was existing in the province.
Pakistan has reported 20 cases of the poliovirus during the current year. “The presence of virus in Karachi, Peshawar and Rawalpindi pose a serious threat to Balochistan”, the EOC Chief stated.
Also Read: Anti-polio campaign to begin in 141 UCs of Balochistan from Sep 26
The anti-polio campaign is scheduled to be launched from October 24th across Pakistan to eradicate the crippling virus. Balochistan health department in coordination with UNICEF and others has started preparations to make sure the provision of polio drops to children.
“Media has to sensitize parents about the crippling virus”, Zahid Shah
“Media has to sensitize parents about the crippling virus”, Zahid Shah said. He said the Balochistan government was trying to boost coordination with religious scholars, teachers and journalists to make the upcoming campaign a success.
In Balochistan, thousands of chronic refusals in Quetta block, which comprises Quetta, Pishin, Killa Abdullah and Chaman are the cause of the presence of poliovirus. The government has formed committees comprising teachers, political leaders and religious scholars to convince parents to administer polio drops to their children.
