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QUETTA, Aug 4 (APP):Prime Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Eradication Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq on Sunday expressed concern over the recently reported polio cases from Balochistan and determined to launch a special anti-polio campaign in the province during the next three months to get all children under the age of five vaccinated to keep them protected from paralytic polio.
The special anti-polio drive planned in light of two recent polio cases reported will commence in September, October and November this year across the province.
Chief Minister (CM) of Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Prime Minister’s focal person for anti-polio Ayesha Raza Farooq met here at the CM’s Secretariat. Commissioner Quetta Division Hamza Shafqaat and Coordinator Emergency Operation Center Inam Khan Mandokhail were also present on the occasion.
In the meeting, the prevention of polio in the province, the successful outcome of the anti-polio campaign in Balochistan and other related issues were discussed.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that full administrative support will be provided to the anti-polio teams and strict action will be taken against those who interfere in the polio campaign for making significant progress in the fight against polio.
The chief minister directed the health secretary that the health department should not show any negligence in the anti-polio and immunization program and conduct a standard campaign in this regard. He directed that an extended program of immunization (EPI) should be conducted frequently for the next few months in high-risk districts.
He said that the campaign of the anti-polio program under the supervision of deputy commissioners will be carried out successfully and any kind of administrative negligence will not be tolerated in this regard. He said that for the success of the anti-polio drive, it is necessary to boost public awareness, in this regard, the role of scholars, media and civil society is vital to become polio-free.