No polio virus in Balochistan since 2012

Published March 12, 2014
Balochistan had 73 reported polio cases in 2012. -AP/File Photo
Balochistan had 73 reported polio cases in 2012. -AP/File Photo

QUETTA: No polio virus has been reported from any part of Balochistan in the last fifteen months, said a provincial official.

Secretary Health Balochistan, Abdul Saboor Kakar told Dawn.com that despite looming security threats, the health department along with World Health Organization was able to vaccinate children in all parts of the province.

"Since December 2012, no polio case has been reported in the province," Kakar said.

"The year 2012 was considered to be the worst year for Pakistan in general and Balochistan in particular when 73 polio cases were reported here," he added.

"We even eradicated polio reservoirs from Quetta," Kakar said.

He mentioned there were polio virus traces in the sewerage system and water in Quetta. However the government was able to eradicate that as well.

Regarding security threats, Kakar informed that in all 32 districts of Balochistan, security committees comprising officers of police and district administration were formed to ensure uninterrupted polio campaign.

"Thousands of personnel escort polio teams in Balochistan," Kakar explained.

He said 2.2 million children below five years were provided anti-polio vaccination across Balochistan during a three day campaign which concluded on Wednesday.

Quetta, Pishin and Killa Abdullah were declared as the most sensitive districts during the anti-polio campaign.

Kakar said Killa Abdullah, which borders neighboring Afghanistan, was prone to polio virus. In 2012, a total of three cases were reported from the district.

However since then, he said, no polio case has been reported from Killa Abdullah.

Armed militants have targeted anti-polio teams five times in Quetta and other troubled parts of Balochistan during the last three years. At least two people were killed in those attacks.

Balochistan is Pakistan's least developed province and is wracked by an insurgency.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...