Commissioner Quetta orders strict monitoring in Polio eradication efforts

QUETTA, May 12 (APP): Commissioner Quetta Division Shahzaib Khan Kakar chaired a meeting of the Divisional Task Force on Polio Eradication, reviewing recent anti-polio campaigns, vaccination coverage, and strategies to tackle challenges in high-risk areas.

He directed strict action against absent vaccinators, ordered the activation of non-functional health centers, and emphasized intensified monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability in the drive to make Balochistan

polio-free.

The meeting was attended by Provincial Coordinator EOC Inam-ul-Haq, Deputy Commissioner Quetta Mehrullah Badini, District Health Officers, representatives from the Health Department, WHO, UNICEF, the EPI National Program, and

other partner organizations. Deputy Commissioners of Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, and Chaman joined the meeting online.

The Officials briefed the commissioner on the sensitivity of the Quetta Block, which remains highly vulnerable to polio virus transmission. Since January 2025, out of 64 samples collected, 31 tested positive, with population movement identified as a major factor in virus spread. It was noted that the virus is being transmitted into Quetta Block from other areas and across the border. While coverage of zero-dose children has improved in recent campaigns, certain union councils still require stronger performance.

Commissioner Shahzeb Khan Kakar directed strict action against absent or defaulting vaccinators and ordered District Health Officers to immediately activate non-functional health centers. He emphasized that monitoring during campaigns must be intensified and that partner organizations should also ensure accountability of their staff.

He instructed that security and monitoring plans must be fully implemented, with special focus on zero-dose children and defaulter cases.

The commissioner further stressed the need to improve routine immunization coverage and accelerate the administration of protective vaccines. He warned that any district reporting defaulter vaccination cases would face disciplinary action against the responsible staff.

In light of the return of Afghan refugees, the meeting decided that all departing families must be administered polio drops before leaving to prevent virus transmission. The commissioner urged district administrations, the health department, and partner agencies to jointly strengthen monitoring and coverage, ensure team accessibility, and focus on high-risk union councils. He also called for intensified efforts to persuade parents to vaccinate their children, reaffirming the national goal of making Balochistan polio-free.