Balochistan launches anti-polio drive to vaccinate over 2.6 million children

QUETTA: The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has announced the launch of a province-wide anti-polio campaign in Balochistan, beginning October 13, with the objective of vaccinating more than 2.6 million children against the life-threatening disease.

EOC Coordinator Inamul Haq confirmed that all arrangements for the campaign have been finalized. A total of 11,144 teams will be deployed, comprising 825 fixed teams and 476 transit teams, to ensure comprehensive coverage across both urban and remote areas of the province.

As part of the initiative, children will also receive Vitamin A supplements alongside the polio vaccine to help enhance their immunity.

Inamul Haq emphasized the critical nature of the campaign, citing the continued presence of the polio virus in Balochistan’s environment, which poses an ongoing threat to unvaccinated children.

“Polio can result in permanent disability. I appeal to all parents to ensure their children receive the drops. This campaign is vital to eliminating the virus from our environment,” he stated.

This campaign forms a key component of Pakistan’s broader national strategy to eradicate polio, with particular attention given to high-risk regions like Balochistan where the virus remains active.