Following the polio virus confirmation in the Ravi’s environmental samples, an anti-polio campaign has been launched in 39 districts across the country, while a special polio campaign will be carried out in nine districts of Punjab from 13th February to 17th February.
The spokesperson for the health ministry said that a campaign to administer polio drops to more than 6 million children was going to be kicked off. According to Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel, there will be an overall campaign in two districts of Punjab, Lahore and Faisalabad where children will be vaccinated against the crippling disease.
The minister elaborated that the anti-polio drive is being carried out in seven districts of South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Bannu, DI Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat North Waziristan, Upper South Waziristan and Lower South Waziristan. While expressing his concern over existence of polio virus in neighbouring Afghanistan, he reiterated that the virus could pose a serious threat to the children residing on either side of the border.
“There are numerous effective campaigns to prevent the spread of polio virus underway and a variety of practical measures are being taken to eliminate the polio from completely,” he added. He emphasised that in order to prevent our future generation from permanent disability, we all have to play our part in polio eradication.
He also noted that this battle cannot be won without the cooperation of parents. He urged parents to ensure that their children receive polio drops during this ongoing anti-polio drive.—INP
