Punjab is set to launch a comprehensive anti-polio campaign starting December 16. The drive will continue in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad until December 22, while in 33 other districts, it will conclude by December 20.
The campaign aims to vaccinate over 23.3 million children against polio. Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired a review meeting to assess the initiative’s preparations.
During the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized that eradicating polio is a national priority and requires collective efforts from all provinces. He highlighted the critical need to enhance inter-provincial collaboration to achieve the complete elimination of the polio virus.
The health minister directed officials to improve the quality of the anti-polio drive further and focus on enhancing micro-plans to ensure 100% coverage.
He stated that the presence of the polio virus in environmental samples is an alarming sign and stressed the importance of sustained joint efforts to combat the disease.
Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir noted that international organizations have lauded the Punjab government’s efforts in fighting polio. He revealed that 85,000 mobile teams have been deployed to administer polio drops to children across the province, ensuring accessibility in every area.
The campaign aims to protect every child from polio and work towards eradicating the debilitating disease from society.
