Khuzdar/Kalat, Oct 10,
Balochistan’s district administrations in Khuzdar and Kalat have intensified preparations for the province-wide polio vaccination campaign scheduled to begin October 13, 2025, marking a critical step toward eradicating polio from the region.
Khuzdar Polio Readiness Meeting
Deputy Commissioner Yasir Iqbal Dashti chaired a high-level polio readiness meeting attended by officials from the World Health Organization (WHO), Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), District Health Office, PPHI, and UNICEF.
Key participants included:
Dr. Nusratullah, WHO Area Coordinator
Dr. Farmanullah, EPI Stop Officer
Dr. Mujtaba, District Surveillance Officer
Dr. Kahoor Khan, MS Civil Hospital
Murtaza, DMS PPHI
Rahim Juttak, Communication Officer
During the session, officials reviewed detailed plans for the campaign, including the formation and deployment of vaccination teams, community awareness initiatives, and strategies to address parental hesitancy or misinformation. Technical support and monitoring mechanisms were emphasized by Dr. Nusratullah, while Dr. Mujtaba highlighted the importance of staff training and operational readiness.
Deputy Commissioner Dashti stressed the urgency of the campaign, stating:
“Polio poses a direct threat to the health and future of our children. Every possible effort must be made to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.”
Kalat District Coordination
Kalat, Additional Deputy Commissioner Shah Nawaz Baloch visited the District Health Office to review preparations. Briefings were provided by:
District Health Officer Dr. Anjam Baloch
WHO District Surveillance Officer Dr. Noroz Baloch
Deputy DHO Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Norzai
UNICEF Communication Officer Humayun Lahri
Officials presented a comprehensive overview of the number of Rural Health Centers (RHCs) and Community Health Centers (CDs), total healthcare staff, medicine inventories, and logistical arrangements at Principal Karim Khan Hospital. Plans for team training, deployment of monitoring officers, and security measures for vaccination teams were thoroughly reviewed.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner directed all health staff to ensure full attendance and active participation, reiterating the district administration’s commitment to providing enhanced public health services in rural areas in line with the Government of Balochistan’s vision.
Campaign Objectives and Implementation Strategy
Both districts have confirmed:
All vaccination teams will be fully mobilized and equipped to reach every household.
Children across Khuzdar and Kalat will receive polio drops to ensure the districts move closer to being polio-free.
Strong coordination exists between district administrations, health departments, WHO, and UNICEF to guarantee campaign success.
Officials also emphasized the importance of community awareness drives, parental engagement, and proactive monitoring to eliminate gaps in vaccination coverage. The campaign is expected to strengthen public confidence in health initiatives and provide a model for future immunization efforts across the province.
The proactive measures taken by Khuzdar and Kalat administrations reflect Balochistan’s broader strategy to eradicate polio. Authorities highlighted that the combined efforts of government officials, healthcare staff, and international partners aim to safeguard the health of children, prevent disease outbreaks, and ensure a healthier, polio-free future for the province.
Deputy Commissioner Dashti and Additional Deputy Commissioner Baloch reaffirmed their commitment, urging all staff, volunteers, and community leaders to participate with dedication and ensure complete coverage during the campaign.
