Balochistan Launches Anti-Polio Campaign Amid Afghan Virus Concerns

QUETTA: Balochistan has commenced its fifth seven-day anti-polio campaign of the year, aiming to vaccinate over 2.2 million children across 31 districts. This initiative comes amid heightened fears of the virus’s potential spread from neighboring Afghanistan, where more than 50 polio cases have been reported this year.

Health Secretary Mujeebur Rehman announced the campaign’s launch, emphasizing the increased risk of cross-border transmission, particularly in areas like Chaman and Qila Abdullah. At the inauguration in Quetta, he noted the deployment of over 8,880 vaccination teams tasked with administering polio drops to children under five years old. The event was attended by Emergency Operations Centre Balochistan Coordinator Inamul Haq and Quetta District Health Officer Dr. Aimal Mandokhail.

Rehman highlighted the critical need for targeted vaccination and robust surveillance, especially in districts bordering Afghanistan and sensitive areas adjacent to Punjab. The frequent movement of people between the two countries poses a significant risk for the virus’s spread, necessitating urgent action to protect children.

As the campaign progresses, health officials are committed to monitoring the situation closely and adapting strategies to ensure the safety of children in the region. The government aims to bolster vaccination efforts and enhance public awareness to combat the threat of polio effectively.