Anti-polio drive: 2.5m children to be vaccinate

Rafiullah Mandokhail

QUETTA: A five-day anti-polio campaign inaugurated in Balochistan today on Friday that will be commenced across the province from Monday 28th February.

Secretary Health Balochistan Noor-ul-Haq Baloch inaugurated a five-day polio campaign in Balochistan and a seven-day polio campaign in high risk district of Balochistan, including the provincial capital Quetta, Pishin, Killa Abdullah and bordering town Chaman.

During the inauguration ceremony held at Children hospital Quetta, Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Balochistan Coordinator Hameedullah Nasar, Chief Executive Officer Children’s hospital Dr. Habib Babar, Assistant Professor Children’s Hospital Doctor Ataullah Bizenjo, Dr Ghulam Nabi Nasar, WHO and UNICEF representatives were present on the occasion.

Secretary Health Noor-ul-Haq Baloch, while talking to journalists, said that a target has been set to vaccinate around 2.5 million children during the campaign. More than 10,000 teams will take part in the polio campaign across the province. “The role of parents, political leader, religious scholars and administration is very important in the fight against poliovirus. With positive thinking, attitudes, and support, the polio campaign can be made successful,” he said.
He further said that the Child Immunization Program was a significant pillar of the efforts to eradicate poliovirus. The Health department was not only trying to provide adequate resources for immunization of children against the disease, but also trying to leave no stone unturned to increase coverage in remote areas. He maintained. “The polio vaccination coverage has been increased by more than 97% in every campaign across the province. The poliovirus can target children who are deprived of the polio vaccine,” Secretary added. He also appealed the refusal parents to give essential polio drops to their loved ones so that the virus could be completely eradicated from the country.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Zhob Muhammad Ramzan Palal also inaugurated the drive in bordering district Zhob, that shares borders with Afghanistan and South Waziraistan. DHO Dr Muzafar Shah, N-Stop Dr Amin, Samad Khan Hariphal, Nazir Mardanzai and journalists were also present on the occasion. According to the health officials, around 74000 children under five years will be administered anti-polio drop during the campaign.