No polio case has been reported in Balochistan so far this year, thanks to the persistent efforts of polio representatives and workers. Improved strategies have reduced the number of vaccination refusals from 70,000 to 3,000, with efforts underway to address the remainder.
These insights were shared during an anti-polio awareness session at Pishin Rest House, attended by numerous journalists from Quetta. Masooma Qurban, who inaugurated the session, outlined its objectives and commended the media’s role in supporting polio eradication.
Read more: Over 2.6 million children in Balochistan to receive polio drops
Khalid Kasi emphasized that polio, a deadly disease affecting the nervous system, is preventable through timely vaccinations. He highlighted that since the introduction of vaccines in Pakistan in 1994, campaigns such as the door-to-door initiative starting in 1998 have significantly improved vaccination outcomes.
Currently, 12 cases have been reported in Pakistan this year, with Balochistan remaining free from new cases. Comparatively, there were 74 cases in Pakistan last year and 25 in Afghanistan, with two cases reported in Afghanistan so far this year.
Despite progress in Quetta Block, which comprises Quetta, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, and Chaman, challenges persist, with approximately 3,000 parents still refusing vaccinations. Kasi warned of potential international travel restrictions if eradication efforts falter.
UNICEF and the World Health Organization are actively collaborating with the Balochistan government to support ongoing campaigns, particularly in the Quetta Block, while the provincial government provides vaccines to other districts. Dr. Aziz Kakar underscored the media’s vital role in combating misinformation and promoting accurate information about polio.
