In an effort to reduce the spread of the polio virus, Pakistan has launched a targeted anti-polio campaign with the authorities planning to vaccinate almost 19 million children in selected districts later this month.
The drive will be a coordinated effort with Afghanistan to combat the virus regionally, this drive will occur between May 18 and 24 in 79 high-risk districts.
Authorities described the extent of the campaign in provinces. In Punjab, 10 districts will be covered and around 6.19 million children will be vaccinated, whereas in Sindh, it is planned to reach approximately 5.79 million children in 20 districts.
The campaign in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is aimed at 4.61 million children in 23 districts. In Balochistan, the number of children who are likely to get the polio vaccine will be approximately 1.99 million children, in 25 districts, and in Islamabad, there will be about 450,000 children.
The health officials have stressed that to save children from polio, there must be a collective effort.
The parents have been encouraged to collaborate with vaccination teams, as well as to make sure that their children are vaccinated.
Communities were also urged by the officials to assist frontline polio workers as well as enabling them to reach the area, emphasising that the cooperation of communities is crucial to eradicating the disease.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating polio, highlighting continued collaboration with international partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
In a recent meeting in Islamabad with a delegation headed by Chris Elias, Dr Kathy Neuzil and Michael Galway, the prime minister appreciated the support given by other countries.
He also appreciated the efforts of partner countries such as Saudi Arabia in maintaining the efforts to eradicate the virus in Pakistan.
Also read: Punjab govt to launch polio vaccination campaign on April 13
