Aiming to eliminate poliovirus and strengthen immunity in children, Balochistan has launched a week-long Fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (FIPV) campaign starting today (Monday).
The campaign targets 585,490 children aged between 4 and 59 months across 123 high-risk Union Councils, including Quetta, Pishin, Chaman, Dera Bugti, Duki, Zhob, and Killa Abdullah. This effort is part of a broader strategy to halt virus transmission and boost protection among young children.
A total of 1,835 vaccination teams have been deployed, administering FIPV alongside the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), which is routinely given to children from birth to 59 months.
Health experts stress the importance of FIPV as a booster dose, particularly for children with weakened immune systems due to malnutrition or recurring illnesses, who may respond less effectively to OPV alone.
Inamul Haq, the coordinator for the Emergency Operations Centre in Balochistan, encouraged parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine, emphasizing that FIPV is both safe and highly effective. He described it as a critical step in preventing permanent disabilities caused by polio.
The provincial government has implemented stringent security measures to ensure the safety of health workers during the drive. Authorities are also working with the media to counter misinformation and raise public awareness, promoting community participation in this vital campaign.
Balochistan remains a focal point in Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts. Health officials highlight that sustained and coordinated vaccination campaigns are essential to eliminating the virus permanently.
