QUETTA: The Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Balochistan has announced the launch of a week-long polio vaccination campaign starting from Monday, in sensitive areas including Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, Dera Bugti, Duki, Zhob, and Qila Abdullah of Balochistan province.
According to details, as many as 585,490 children aged between 4 and 59 months will be administered the fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV), along with Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) drops to strengthen immunity and prevent virus transmission in these areas. The anti-polio drive will continue till August 4, will cover 123 high-risk union councils identified due to recent detections of poliovirus or poor immunization coverage.
The EOC Balochistan confirmed that 1,835 vaccination teams have been established for the immunization campaign, with strict security measures in place to ensure the safety of health workers across all districts involved.
Regarding the fIPV injections, health experts highlighted that the fIPV injections are very effective for malnourished children or those frequently suffering from infections, as they provide stronger protection compared to oral vaccines alone.
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While talking to media persons, EOC Balochistan Coordinator Inam ul Haq said that this campaign is a critical part of our broader strategy to stop the transmission of the poliovirus and boost immunity in vulnerable children.
He also urged all parents to ensure their children receive both the injectable and oral vaccines, emphasizing that these vaccines are safe and effective.
The EOC also reiterated its commitment to polio eradication, with support from national and international partners.
