CURRENT POLIO CAMPAIGN BALOCHISTAN
Quetta, June 5, 2024 – A major anti-polio campaign kicked off once again in 14 districts of Balochistan, targeting the immunization of approximately 1.88 million children over the next seven days. This concerted effort involves the deployment of 7,636 vaccination teams, which include 5,933 mobile units, 519 fixed sites, and 429 transit points.
The districts participating in the campaign are Quetta, Pishin, Killa Abdullah, Chaman, Hub, Chagai, Duki, Lasbela, Khuzdar, Zhob, Nushki, Killa Saifullah, Loralai, and Mastung. These areas have been prioritized to ensure widespread coverage and protection against the poliovirus.
The Polio Team Attacked in Chaman
However, in an unfortunate incident, an attack on a polio team in Chaman resulted in injuries to two Levies personnel, one police officer, and two female volunteers. This act of violence has raised concerns about the safety of the health workers involved in the campaign.
Interior Minister’s Notice
Reacting to the incident, the Interior Minister of Balochistan has ordered an immediate increase in security measures for all polio teams. “The safety of our volunteers is paramount,” the minister stated. “This attack is an assault on the future health of our children, and we will ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice under the Anti-Terrorism Act.”
In addition to the active districts, the campaign in Nasirabad, Sibi, Jafarabad, Usta Muhammad, Dera Bugti, and Sohbatpur has been postponed due to an ongoing heatwave and extreme temperatures. The vaccination drive in these areas is now scheduled to begin on June 8.
A spokesperson for the Balochistan government condemned the attack, emphasizing the critical importance of the campaign. “Ensuring the health and safety of our children is our top priority. We will not be deterred by such heinous acts, and we stand committed to eradicating polio from our region.”
Despite the challenges, the campaign aims to achieve significant coverage, reflecting the government’s commitment to public health and the eradication of polio in Balochistan.
Art Exhibition in Quetta Highlights Polio Vaccine Importance
Quetta, [31, May 2024] – To raise awareness about the significance of the polio vaccine, an art exhibition was organized in Quetta, featuring the creative works of university students. The event aimed to emphasize the crucial role of vaccination in ensuring a healthy future for children in Balochistan, where polio remains a persistent challenge.
The exhibition, themed around polio and vaccination, showcased 50 artworks by more than 30 young painters. These pieces, created using traditional mediums such as watercolor, oil paint, block art, and charcoal sketch, as well as printmaking techniques, vividly conveyed the message that just two drops of the polio vaccine can secure a child’s health.
Hosted by BUITEMS University, the event saw a large turnout from civil society and art enthusiasts, who praised the young artists for their efforts. The exhibition served as a platform to educate the public about the dangers of polio, methods of prevention, and the critical importance of vaccination.
Through their art, the painters sought to depict the mental anguish faced by children affected by polio and the severe lifelong suffering that a moment of parental negligence can cause. The poignant artworks aimed to evoke a deep understanding and prompt action to combat polio through timely vaccination.
The event successfully highlighted the power of art in communicating vital health messages and underscored the need for continued efforts to eradicate polio in the region.
Polio Campaign from 25th to 29th March 2024
To deal with new polio cases in Balochistan, a special anti-polio campaign has started in eleven districts of Balochistan from today. The campaign will continue till March 29.
After 2 cases of polio were reported from Dera Bugti and Chaman in Balochistan, the anti-polio campaign has started in eleven high-risk districts of the province today. Member of the National Assembly elected from the area Wadira Mian Khan Mondrani Bugti inaugurated the special campaign.
In addition to Dera Bugti and Chaman, 8 lakh 89 thousand children of Hub, Lasbela, Nasirabad, Sibi, Jafarabad, Kech, Khuzdar, Aosta Muhammad and Sahabpur will be given polio vaccine.
3 thousand 378 teams will participate in the polio campaign. 2 thousand 641 teams will go door to door and administer polio drops to the children. 306 teams have been deployed at fixed sites and 228 at transit points.
After 2021 in Balochistan, 2 cases of polio this year came from Dera Bugti and Chaman. Balochistan is among the areas where the wild poliovirus has not been eradicated yet.
Parents are requested not to ignore the government’s efforts to eradicate polio and the importance of vaccination. Repeated anti-polio campaigns are conducted because the challenge of polio is a healthy future.
New Polio Cases in Balochistan
A few days earlier it was reported that a concerning development reminiscent of past struggles, Balochistan has once again been confronted with the reemergence of polio as new polio cases in Balochistan, had been reported in different districts. Two instances of polio have been reported from the region, marking a setback in the ongoing battle against the crippling disease. The affected areas, Chaman and Dera Bugti, have long been identified as high-risk zones for poliovirus transmission.
Epidemiological Overview of Polio
Over the past decade, polio cases in Balochistan have witnessed fluctuations, with a total of 56 reported cases. While commendable progress was made in 2022 and 2023 with no reported cases, the recent resurgence highlights the fragility of these gains.
Warning Signs and Precautionary Measures
The Emergency Center, entrusted with monitoring and responding to public health emergencies, had already cautioned about the presence of poliovirus in environmental samples from various locations including Quetta, Pashin, Chaman, and Dera Bugti.
In response, extensive vaccination campaigns have been conducted, reaching thousands of children across the province. Understanding the mode of poliovirus transmission is crucial in combatting its spread.
The virus primarily enters the body through the human alimentary tract and can be shed into the environment through fecal matter. In areas lacking sanitation facilities, the risk of viral transmission is significantly heightened.
Importance of Vaccination
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of polio eradication efforts. The oral polio vaccine (OPV) has been instrumental in controlling the spread of the virus, particularly in regions like Balochistan where accessibility to healthcare services can be challenging. It is emphasized that consistent vaccination, especially during campaign periods, is essential in building immunity against poliovirus.
While some children may develop immunity after a few doses of the vaccine, others, particularly those with weakened immune systems, may require multiple doses for adequate protection. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that even vaccinated individuals can shed the virus in their stool, posing a risk of transmission to unvaccinated individuals.
Community Engagement and Conclusion
In light of these developments, it is imperative for the people of Balochistan to remain vigilant and actively participate in polio vaccination campaigns. The collective effort towards polio eradication is not only a matter of individual health but also a critical step towards securing a healthier future for the entire community.
Since 1994, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme has been fighting to end the crippling poliovirus in the country. The initiative is driven by up to 339,521 trained and dedicated polio workers, the largest surveillance network in the world, quality data collection and analysis, behavioral change communication, state-of-the-art laboratories, and some of the best epidemiologists and public health experts in Pakistan and the world.
By adhering to vaccination protocols and supporting government initiatives for polio, we can strive towards a polio-free Balochistan and contribute to the global goal of eradicating this debilitating disease once and for all. you can also read about the top 10 stories of Balochistan in 2023 here.
FAQs
Q1. What is polio, and why is it a concern in Balochistan?
it is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to paralysis, primarily affecting children under 5 years of age. New polio cases in Balochistan remain a concern due to sporadic cases despite vaccination efforts.
Q2. How does polio spread, and what are the risk factors in Balochistan?
Poliovirus spreads through the fecal-oral route, mainly in areas with inadequate sanitation. In Balochistan, where sanitation infrastructure is lacking in certain regions, the risk of polio transmission is heightened.
Q.3 What vaccination measures are in place to combat polio in Balochistan?
Vaccination campaigns, particularly using the oral polio vaccine (OPV), are conducted regularly in Balochistan to immunize children against poliovirus. These campaigns are essential for building community immunity and preventing the spread of the disease.
Q.4 Why are some children more susceptible to polio despite vaccination efforts?
While vaccination provides protection against epidemics, some children, particularly those with weakened immune systems, may require multiple doses to develop adequate immunity. Additionally, in areas with ongoing transmission, individuals may still be at risk of infection.
Q.5 How can individuals contribute to the eradication of New polio cases in Balochistan?
Individuals can support polio eradication efforts by ensuring that children receive all recommended doses of the vaccine during vaccination campaigns. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and proper sanitation, can help prevent the spread of poliovirus in communities.