Polio Virus Still Present in Balochistan, Vaccination Campaign from February 2 Essential: Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq

**Quetta:** Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, has said that the polio virus is still present in Balochistan, making it essential for children to be administered polio drops during the upcoming vaccination campaign starting on February 2.

Speaking to the media after meeting polio workers in Quetta, she said that due to an effective strategy, no polio case has been reported in the province for the past 15 months. She urged parents to ensure that all children under the age of five are vaccinated during the anti-polio drive.

Senator Ayesha Raza paid tribute to the courage and dedication of polio workers, particularly female frontline workers who go door to door even in difficult conditions to vaccinate children. She said that with the continued efforts of these workers, the complete eradication of the polio virus is achievable. She added that accountability measures have also been taken against individuals found negligent in their duties.

She acknowledged that funding from ODA has been reduced but stressed that the cuts would not be allowed to affect the polio eradication program. She said steps are being taken to increase the salaries of polio workers to support their commitment and performance.

Highlighting the importance of Balochistan, she said the province remains a critical region in the fight against polio, and her visit to Quetta reflects the prime minister’s clear message that Balochistan is a top national priority. She emphasized that without strong and sustained progress in Balochistan, complete eradication of polio from Pakistan is not possible.

The senator said she met with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary of Balochistan and assured them of full federal support for polio eradication efforts in the province. She praised the provincial government’s resolve and its role in maintaining steady progress against polio.

Ayesha Raza Farooq also shared that more than 400,000 frontline workers are engaged in the anti-polio program across the country, including Balochistan. Despite challenging conditions, their hard work and dedication remain the backbone of Pakistan’s fight against polio.

She highlighted the crucial role of female frontline workers in reaching every child, especially in areas where there are reservations about polio vaccination. As a Gender Champion of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), she reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful, and supportive working environment for women.

During her visit, she held direct discussions with female frontline workers to understand their experiences and challenges, with the aim of taking practical steps to resolve their issues. She stressed the need to include women workers directly in national-level policymaking and decision-making processes related to their work.

She concluded by saying that supporting and encouraging women associated with the polio eradication program—whether on the front lines or at any other level—is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders.