QUETTA: Amid tight security, a three-day polio vaccination campaign was launched in 16 districts of Balochistan on Monday.

The provincial government has made strict security arrangements, deploying hundreds of security personnel in Quetta and other districts to ensure the safety of health workers engaged in the campaign.

The campaign was launched in Chagai, Dera Bugti, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Khuzdar, Las­bela, Loralai, Mastung, Nasirabad, Nushki, Pishin, Sherani, Quetta and Zhob.

At least 1.7 million children below the age of five will be administered vaccine drops against the crippling poliovirus.

For curbing the transmission of the virus at transit points, the campaign would also focus on Afghan refugee camps where children would be administrated the vaccine, an official said.

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2017