QUETTA: The second phase of immunization campaign against polio virus is set to begin today (Monday) across 13 districts of Balochistan, said the Coordinator Emergency Operation Centre Syed Faisal Ahmed, on Sunday.

He said that the immunization campaign could not be carried out in the said districts owing to heavy snowfall and subsequent blockade of communication lines in the province. The districts include Barkhan, Bolan, Jhal Magsi, Killa Abdullah, Kharan, Khuzdar, Loralai, Musakhel, Pishin, Quetta, Sherani, Sibi and Washuk while the campaign would also include inoculation of children in few tehsils of district Zhob, he added.

He said that as many as 1.3 million children would be inoculated during the anti-polio drive and in this regard all the preparations have been finalized, adding that in total 4347 would take part in the campaign which is divided in 3547 mobile teams, 429 transit point teams and 371 fixed sites.

Commenting on the security arrangements, he said that the teams would be provided foolproof security during the campaign and contingents of police and FC would be deployed during the campaign.

He further said that the campaign against polio is going on with success; however, owing to presence of virus in the samples of Quetta and some other areas, the campaigns have been expedited. He said that the role of parents is of foremost importance in making the campaigns against polio successful, urging the role of Ulema, teachers, civil society, media and people belonging to all walks of the life to make the campaigns successful by contributing their part.