Polio Eradication a Top Priority: Balochistan Chief Secretary Urges Collective Efforts Ahead of Upcoming Campaign
QUETTA:Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan has emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts from all stakeholders to eradicate the poliovirus once and for all. Chairing a high-level meeting on the upcoming anti-polio campaign, he stated that eliminating this debilitating disease is vital for a healthier future and can only be achieved through regular vaccination of children.
He highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to ensure the success of the campaign. The meeting reviewed preparations for the upcoming drive, which is set to begin on **April 21, 2025**, across the province.
The Chief Secretary stressed the crucial role of **parents, religious leaders, tribal elders, and civil society** in supporting the polio campaign. He appealed to the public to fully cooperate with vaccination teams to ensure the virus is completely eradicated. “We must ensure a healthy Pakistan for our future generations,” he said.
He also directed officials to improve performance in underperforming union councils and instructed all **Deputy Commissioners and District Health Officers (DHOs)** to ensure their attendance in evening review meetings during the campaign.
According to the briefing given during the session, the **seven-day campaign aims to vaccinate over 2.66 million children** across Balochistan. More than **11,000 vaccination teams** will participate in the drive. Alongside polio drops, children will also be administered other essential immunizations to protect them from diseases such as measles and pneumonia.
The Chief Secretary assured that **adequate security arrangements** will be in place for all polio teams. He reiterated the importance of parental responsibility in ensuring their children receive the necessary vaccines to stay safe from life-threatening illnesses.
