Quetta: Key Meeting on Polio Eradication Campaign Held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Balochistan

Quetta:A crucial meeting on the **polio eradication campaign** in Balochistan was held under the chairmanship of **Chief Secretary Balochistan**, **Shakil Qadir Khan**, to review the preparations for the upcoming campaign. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized that the **eradication of the polio virus** from the province remains the **top priority** of the provincial government and that concrete measures have already been put in place to achieve this goal.

Chief Secretary Khan expressed confidence that the virus could soon be eradicated from the province but stressed the **urgent need** for **cooperation** from all segments of society. He urged all stakeholders to play their part in this vital mission. “The complete eradication of polio requires a united effort, and we appeal to all parents to ensure that their children receive the **polio drops** to protect them from lifelong disability,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of the campaign, the Chief Secretary emphasized that **all resources** are being mobilized to ensure its success. He assured that **full security** will be provided to all teams involved in the campaign. Furthermore, he encouraged parents to not only vaccinate their children against polio but also ensure they complete the **full vaccination course**, which includes protection against **measles**, **pneumonia**, and other dangerous diseases.

The meeting was informed that the **final polio campaign of the year** will begin on **December 30**, 2023. The **seven-day campaign** aims to vaccinate over **2.66 million children** against polio. Over **11,000 teams** will participate in the campaign, and all necessary preparations have been completed.

Despite significant progress in polio eradication efforts, Balochistan has reported the **highest number of polio cases** in the country, with **27 cases** confirmed this year. Areas including **Chaman**, **Dera Bugti**, **Qilla Abdullah**, **Jhal Magsi**, **Zhob**, **Qilla Saifullah**, **Nushki**, **Loralai**, **Pishin**, **Kharan**, **Jaffarabad**, and **Chaghi** have reported cases.

In 2023, after a gap of **two and a half years**, the presence of the **polio virus** was confirmed in various districts of Balochistan, raising concerns about the ongoing challenges in the region’s fight against the virus.

The Chief Secretary concluded by reiterating that the provincial government is committed to using every possible means to ensure **polio-free** communities in Balochistan and called for collective efforts to end the threat of polio for good.