KARACHI: An anti-polio campaign has been launched in 39 districts across the country in response to the confirmation of the polio virus in Ravi’s environmental samples. A special drive will take place in nine districts of Punjab from February 13 to 17.
The health ministry has announced that the campaign will aim to administer polio drops to over 6 million children. Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel said a comprehensive drive will be conducted in Lahore and Faisalabad, two districts in Punjab, to vaccinate children against the disease.
In southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the anti-polio drive is being carried out in seven districts including Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Lakki Marwat, North Waziristan, Upper South Waziristan, and Lower South Waziristan.
Minister Patel expressed his concern over the presence of the poliovirus in neighbouring Afghanistan and stressed that it could pose a serious threat to children on both sides of the border.
He emphasised that a united effort is necessary to eradicate polio completely, and that this cannot be achieved without the cooperation of parents.
He urged all parents to ensure their children receive the polio drops during the ongoing anti-polio campaign, emphasising that the goal is to prevent future generations from permanent disability.
