polio

NEOC Chief Calls For Efforts To Eradicate Poliovirus

1 min read

QUETTA: The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) coordinator has stressed the need to launch effective anti-polio campaigns and improve routine immunisation to eradicate the poliovirus.

Only three to four effective anti-polio campaigns are required to eliminate the virus fully, Anwarul Haq, a retired army captain, said while chairing a high-level meeting at the Zhob commissioner’s office on Saturday.

Mr Haq acknowledged that the current year`s situation was worse than last year, with environmental samples testing positive for the virus five times more frequently.

However, he reassured that efforts to eradicate polio remain steadfast and determined.

The meeting was attended by Provincial EOC Coordinator for Balochistan Inamul Haq Qureshi, Zhob Deputy Commissioner Mehboob Ahmed Achakzai, Technical Focal Person from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Dr Najeebullah Marwat, among others. During the briefing on a recent polio case in Sohrab Goth, Zhob, and ongoing polio eradication efforts, Mr. Haq emphasised the importance of improving the quality of the anti-polio campaign. He noted that even minor negligence could lead to new polio cases, and improved routine immunisation is crucial for preventing the virus`s resurgence.

Three additional polio vaccination campaigns are planned for this year in September, November, and December. He also praised Afghanistan`s anti-polio measures and mentioned efforts to synchronise upcoming campaigns with Afghan authorities.

Mr Haq acknowledged the unique challenges faced by Balochistan, including cultural barriers, adverse conditions, and a dispersed population. He assured that all resources would be utilised to ensure polio eradication in the region.

He stressed that children suffer from polio only when they are missed during vaccination due to negligence.

He urged parents to ensure their children receive polio drops to prevent lifelong disability and burdens.

Published in Dawn News on 28th July 2024.

child marriage
Previous Story

The Unfortunate Trend Of Child Marriage

honor killing
Next Story

Two Women, Teenage Girl Murdered In City In Name Of Honour

Latest from Blog

34,000 Public Schools To Be Granted Financial Autonomy: Sharjeel

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon has announced that in the next financial quarter the recruitment of 4,400 new teachers, the establishment of four new IBA community colleges, and the granting of financial autonomy to 34,000 public schools would begin in the province. In a statement issued to the press on…

Polio Cripples Another Child As Number Rises To 14 In Pakistan This Year

ISLAMABAD: Poliovirus has crippled another child in Pakistan, as Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, on 01-July-2025 confirmed the new case of wild poliovirus. The poliovirus was confirmed in a 19-month-old boy from Union Council Miranshah-3 in District North Waziristan, South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.…

Woman Jailed For ‘Poisoning’ Three Kids

Police say children’s mysterious deaths sparked registration of case against mother RAWALPINDI: On 1st July, the court sent a woman to jail on judicial remand in connection with the mysterious deaths of her three children as a result of alleged poisoning. A murder case was registered against the woman after…

Life Sentence Overturned In Child Rape Case

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani issued a detailed verdict nullifying the trial court’s decision ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court has overturned a life sentence awarded in a child abduction and rape case, acquitting the convict on the basis of reasonable doubt. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani issued a detailed verdict nullifying the…

First Kalash Marriage Bill Cleared By Law Department

Legislation aims to protect and formalise the marital customs of the community Peshawar. In a landmark step toward preserving cultural heritage, Pakistan’s first indigenous Kalash Marriage Bill has successfully passed vetting by the Law Department and will soon be presented to the cabinet before being tabled in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa…
Go toTop