Over 10,000 teams to vaccinate 2.395 mln kids: Seven-day polio immunization drive begins in of Balochistan

QUETTA (6AM Report): The special anti-polio campaign got underway in 30 districts of Balochistan province on Monday.

The Secretary Health, Abdullah Khan formally inaugurated the polio immunization campaign by administering anti-polio vaccine to the children at Emergency Operation Center (EOC) for Polio Eradication here.

Also present on the occasion were Coordinator of EOC, Syed Zahid Shah and other concerned officials besides the representatives of World Health Organization and UNICEF.

Speaking to the media persons after inauguration of the immunization campaign, Secretary Health said that the polio immunization campaign has been started in 30 districts of the province as part of our mission of saving our children from the polio virus.

During the campaign, more than 2.395 children below five years of age would be administered anti-polio campaign in 30 districts of the province, he mentioned adding that for the purpose, over 10,000 teams have been formed.

These teams would visit home to home to administer the anti-polio drops to the children, he added.

He mentioned that two polio cases were reported from Dera Bugti and Chaman this year.

He made the pledge to eradicate the polio virus from the province, for we would be needing cooperation of parents, civil society and media.

The Coordinator EOC said that Balochistan remained polio free for 28 months. He said that the polio virus reached Balochistan again after reaching Karachi and Afghanistan.

Syed Zahid Shah ruled out element of negligence in reporting of the polio cases in the two districts of Balochistan. He said that the polio cases have not been reported because of negligence of anyone.

He said that we are trying to convey the message through media to the parents who are refusing the polio vaccination to their children.