Quetta Declared High-Risk for Polio, Commissioner Orders Zero Child Left Unvaccinated and Action Against Sabotage

Quetta (Daily Qudrat): Under the leadership of **Commissioner Quetta Division, Shahzaib Kakak**, a meeting of the Divisional Task Force Committee was held to review the overall polio situation in Quetta Block. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners of Quetta and Pishin, Focal Person of the Divisional Task Force, District Health Officers, UNICEF, One-Stop, and WHO representatives, while Deputy Commissioners of Qila Abdullah and Chaman joined online.

During the briefing, it was highlighted that Quetta Block is highly sensitive regarding polio due to its large population, challenges in cold regions, high mobility, and issues in high-risk union councils. A target of **748,000 children** has been set for polio vaccination across all four districts of Quetta Block, with over **5,500 polio workers** engaged in the campaign.

The briefing noted that while **14 polio cases were reported in 2024**, no cases have emerged so far this year. However, the presence of positive environmental samples in several areas of Quetta Division remains concerning. Measures to improve monitoring and team performance were also discussed, with special strategies adopted for missing children, zero-dose children, and high-risk locations.

Commissioner Shahzaib Kakak instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Chaman to take action against staff obstructing the polio campaign in **Gurdi Pankai**, including filing FIRs and terminating the responsible personnel. He emphasized that the polio campaign must be effective, transparent, and foolproof, with **no child left unvaccinated**, especially in high-risk union councils.

The Commissioner stressed that polio eradication is a **national responsibility** and urged close cooperation among district administration, security agencies, health departments, and development partners to ensure the success of the campaign and protect future generations from disability.