QUETTA: Senior officials from Balochistan and the Gates Foundation have met to strengthen the province’s immunization program and maintain its progress against polio.
In a meeting with Michael Galloway, the Deputy Director for Polio at the Gates Foundation, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan discussed detailed plans for improving the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). The Chief Secretary highlighted that no polio cases have been reported in the province this year, a key achievement they aim to sustain.
Mr. Khan stated that several important steps are being taken to increase vaccination coverage for both boys and girls to minimize disease outbreaks. He confirmed that rotavirus vaccines will be incorporated into the ongoing anti-polio campaign.
Michael Galloway acknowledged the provincial government’s “exemplary work” in the fight against polio. He also sought the government’s cooperation for an upcoming measles and rubella (MR) vaccination campaign scheduled to begin on November 17, reaffirming the Foundation’s support for Pakistan’s immunization efforts through its partnership with the Health Department.
Meanwhile the Chief Secretary of Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan, has stated that the provincial government is implementing a “coordinated and robust strategy” to protect citizens from the increasing severity of natural disasters.
Speaking at a ceremony for the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, organised by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Mr Khan acknowledged the serious global problem of climate change and its profound impact on lives and the economy.
He detailed the government’s efforts to ensure public safety and stability. “The government is trying to provide a safe environment and disaster protection facilities to every citizen,” he said, adding that these steps are a milestone towards making Balochistan a secure region.
The CS stressed the importance of public awareness and preparedness, echoing this year’s global message to “prepare before a disaster rather than taking action after the accident.” He called for effective relief teams and public awareness campaigns so people can keep themselves safe.
Looking forward, Mr Khan instructed the PDMA to focus on long-term plans and policies. A key practical measure is the expansion of the 1122 emergency service to every district, with the aim of later extending it to the tehsil level.
