KHYBER: The authorities will launch a one week anti-polio campaign in Khyber tribal district on October 2.

District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC) conducted a sensitisation session for the upcoming campaign in Landi Kotal on Wednesday.

The session was attended by representatives of local government, assistant commissioner, officials of line departments, tribal elders, political leaders and religious scholars.

Speaking on the occasion, Said Azal Shinwari, the district communication officer of EPI, said that the one week anti-polio campaign would continue till October 8 in the entire district.

He said that all polio teams would visit each household to vaccinate children under five years. “In order to sensitise community and gain its support, a comprehensive mobilisation and awareness programme is implemented in all union councils of the district. It will help in reducing the number of refusals and increase parents’ trust in polio vaccine”, he added.

Mr Shinwari said that only 45 refusal cases were recorded in the previous campaign. He said that those refusals were also linked to different demands. He requested all influencers and stakeholders to join hands for eradication of polio.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2023