ISLAMABAD: As Islamabad is one of the cities in which poliovirus has been detected during environmental sampling, a nine-day campaign is underway in the city.

Health experts believe that the frequent movement of people from across the country to the capital city is the major reason for the presence of the poliovirus in the samples, and all possible efforts are being made to eradicate the virus.

Mayor and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sheikh Anser Aziz on Saturday visited different medical centres established for the administration of polio drops to children in I-10 and I-8 sectors. He said all available resources would be utilided till the eradication of the virus.

Mr Aziz said Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had already directed the eradication of the virus from Islamabad and in the light of the direction manpower for the ongoing anti-polio drive had been increased and the progress was being reviewed on a daily basis.

The anti-polio drive, which commenced on October 9, would continue till October 17. Islamabad has been divided into 27 zones which are being supervised by as many supervisors.

On the other hand, mobile teams are also visiting different parts of the capital city, especially bus stands, to administer polio drops to the children.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2017