QUETTA: Balochistan has achieved a remarkable milestone in its anti-polio efforts, as all 23 environmental samples tested negative for the virus, Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar announced, ARY News reported.
The health minister stated that no new polio cases have been reported in the province over the past two years—a success he attributed to continuous hard work and effective government policy.
Bakht Kakar emphasized that oversight by the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the Chief Secretary played a vital role in achieving these positive results.
He also commended the dedication of polio workers, the health department, and parents, highlighting that the vaccination campaigns continued successfully despite security risks and challenging terrain.
Acknowledging the bravery of frontline workers, the minister remarked that the sacrifices of those who were martyred or injured during polio drives remain unforgettable.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to sustain these efforts until polio is completely eradicated from the province.
Earlier, a one-week national anti-polio campaign will kick-start on November 2 in 97 selected districts of the country, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) informed.
During the campaign, as many as 23.9 million children under the age of five will be administered polio drops, with polio workers going door-to-door.
Almost 9.278 million children will be administered polio drops in 13 selected districts of Punjab, while drops will be given to almost 6.883 million children in 20 selected districts of Sindh.
On the other hand, 4.808 million children in 27 selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will receive the drops, whereas 2.217 million children will be covered across 31 selected districts of Balochistan.
Additionally, more than 447,000 children will be administered polio drops in Islamabad, and as many as 153,000 children will be covered in three selected districts of Gilgit-Baltistan.
During the anti-polio drive, more than 183,000 children will receive polio drops in two selected districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
According to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), securing a polio-free future for children is a shared responsibility.
The NEOC has urged parents to fully cooperate with polio teams to eradicate the menace of polio.