National anti-polio campaign was launched across the country on Sunday to protect children from the virus. More than 40.5 million children will be administered drops during the campaign. Federal Secretary Health Iftikhar Shalwani started the campaign by administering polio drops to children.
Talking on the occasion, Secretary Health said that Polio is a terrible disease that cripples children for life. Secretary Health said that unfortunately, polio continues to be a threat to our children. Iftikhar Ali Shalawani said that the government of Pakistan is determined to eradicate polio.
Parents have a great responsibility to ensure the health of children, said Federal Health Secretary. “I request parents to open the doors of their homes for polio workers”, said Iftikhar Shalawani. He said that identify the dangers of polio to children and administer mandatory polio shots.
Coordinator for National Examination Council (NECO) Dr. Shahzad Baig said that polio presence in environmental samples is a constant threat to children. He said that polio is an opportunistic virus that can prey on children anywhere.
Parents should give mandatory vaccinations to children during the campaign to keep them safe, said Dr Shehzad Baig. From February 26 to March 3, polio workers will go door-to-door to administer drops across the country. In 33 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, children will be given drops from March 3 to 9.
Meanwhile Coordinator Emergency Operation Centre Balochistan Syed Zahid Shah has said that a 7-day Anti-Polio drive will start in the entire province from February 26 (Monday). During the campaign, a target number of 2.65 million children will be vaccinated.
