7-day Anti-polio Campaign To Start in Balochistan on Sept 21
UrduPoint (September 20, 2026) - A seven-day anti-polio campaign will commence in Balochistan on Monday, targeting the vaccination of approximately 2.3 million children under five across the province.
According to Inam-ul-Haq, Coordinator of the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Balochistan, all preparations for the campaign have been finalized. A total of 9,193 teams will be deployed to administer polio vaccines, including 621 fixed site teams and 392 transit point teams at crucial transportation hubs.
The campaign will cover 32 districts in Balochistan, such as Barkhan, Chagai, Dera Bugti North and South, Duki, Gwadar, Hub, Jafarabad, Jhal Magsi, Kalat, Kech, Khuzdar, Qila Saifullah, Lasbela, Loralai, Musa Khel, Nasirabad, Noshki, Sibi, Sherani, Sohbatpur, Usta Muhammad, Wadh, Zhob, and Ziarat, as well as Quetta's East and West, Qila Abdullah, Mastung, Barshor, Pishin, and Chaman.
Environmental samples from Balochistan revealed two positive polio virus cases in August, one from Chaman and another from Zhob. While the virus is not endemic to Balochistan, it is linked to neighboring provinces and Afghanistan. Inam-ul-Haq emphasized that as long as the virus persists in the environment, children remain at risk, making each anti-polio campaign crucial.
He urged parents and caregivers to fully cooperate with polio teams during the campaign and ensure that all children under five receive the polio vaccine. Civil society, teachers, and religious leaders are also encouraged to spread awareness and promote polio vaccination among their communities.