RAWALPINDI: The District Health Authority extended its anti-polio drive for two more days to cover children missed due to the recent rains.

Though the formal campaign was launched on Tuesday, due to rains the vaccinators failed to reach most of the areas. It was, therefore, decided to extend the drive for two more days.

The drive in 16 union councils of the district that have been declared sensitive will continue till Feb 28.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) report for January, which was released last week, showed the presence of poliovirus in the city’s sewers.

The WHO as well as the city government declared 10 union councils in the city as high-risk areas. Refusal cases were also reported from these areas.

District Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Rashid Khan told Dawn that the special drive was launched in 16 union councils after receiving the report.

A senior official of the district administration said people coming from KP were settled in these union councils and there were chances that poliovirus is transmitted to these areas by people who frequently arrive from tribal areas of KP.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2019