Meeting held regarding eradication of poliovirus: Surveillance system being further strengthened for detecting polio virus in Balochistan, says CS Provincial

Independent Report

QUETTA: The Chief Secretary Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan has stated that the eradication of polio from province is among top priorities of the provincial government, and emergency measures are being taken in this regard. He said that the surveillance system is being further strengthened for detecting polio virus in the province. The Chief Secretary was chairing a meeting regarding eradication of poliovirus in the province, here the other day. During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted of the previous campaign and preparations for the upcoming campaign. Speaking at the meeting, Chief Secretary noted that Pakistan is among the few countries where the polio virus still exists, and efforts are ongoing to eliminate it. The Chief Secretary emphasized the important role of tribal elders, religious scholars, and civil society in raising public awareness about the importance and effectiveness of the polio vaccine. He added that measures are being taken to ensure the safety of vaccination teams so they can reach remote and sensitive areas. The province is committed to the complete eradication of polio and is making continuous and serious efforts in this regard. He highlighted the critical role of women in the eradication of polio, stating that supporting them and ensuring their safety and a conducive working environment is essential for the ultimate elimination of the disease. Female polio workers go door-to-door administering polio drops to children. In many areas, due to cultural barriers, male workers are not allowed to enter homes, making female workers the only means of reaching children. Earlier, the Provincial Coordinator of Emergency Operations Center (EOC) for polio eradication, Inamul Haq informed the meeting that environmental surveillance is used to detect the presence of the poliovirus in sewage samples. This helps identify areas where the virus is spreading, and several districts have reported negative environmental samples. Provincial-level polio vaccination campaigns are repeatedly organized across the province, during which millions of children under the age of five are administered polio drops. Special efforts are made to ensure access during travel and to remote areas, he maintained.