QUETTA: The Emergency Operations Centre’s (EOC) Coordinator for Balochistan Dr Saif-ur-Rehman claimed on Wednesday that the polio virus had nearly been eradicated from the province as a result of the successful strategies of all stakeholders.

Briefing a session presided over by Zhob Commissioner Nazar Muhammad Khetiran in Loralai, Dr Saif-ur-Rehman said that the emergence of only a single case this year was a testament to the efficacy of the comprehensive immunisation campaigns in the province, adding that the refusal cases too had been suitably addressed.

He informed the session that the menace of polio would soon be eradicated by the dint of the government’s policies, stressing upon the participants to play their part effectively so that Balochistan could soon be declared a polio-free province.

Commissioner directs authorities concerned to pursue refusal cases at any cost

He said that Zhob division constituted a large territory with rough terrain. Though the progress reports from all the districts were encouraging, he said there was still room for improvement.

He further stressed the need for cooperation of all schools of thought to achieve the objective.

Mr Khetiran directed the authorities concerned to pursue the refusal cases at any cost, adding that even if no flexibility was seen, they should be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The seminar was attended by the Technical Focal Person of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, World Health Organisation representative and health and other officials of the district administration.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2016