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

Political capitalism

Political capitalism

Pakistani decision-makers salivate at the prospect of a one-party state but without paying attention to those additional ingredients.

Editorial

Spending restrictions
Updated 13 May, 2024

Spending restrictions

The country's "recovery" in recent months remains fragile and any shock at this point can mean a relapse.
Climate authority
13 May, 2024

Climate authority

WITH the authorities dragging their feet for seven years on the establishment of a Climate Change Authority and...
Vending organs
13 May, 2024

Vending organs

IN these cash-strapped times, black marketers in the organ trade are returning to rake it in by harvesting the ...
A turbulent 2023
Updated 12 May, 2024

A turbulent 2023

Govt must ensure judiciary's independence, respect for democratic processes, and protection for all citizens against abuse of power.
A moral victory
12 May, 2024

A moral victory

AS the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Friday in favour of granting Palestine greater rights at the...
Hope after defeat
12 May, 2024

Hope after defeat

ON Saturday, having fallen behind Japan in the first quarter of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final, Pakistan showed...