QUETTA: Provincial Coordinator of Emergency Operation Centre Balochistan Syed Faisal Ahmed said on Friday that five days Anti-Polio drive to begin in Quetta, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah and other cities of Balochistan for Three days from January 15, the first anti-polio drive of 2018.

In Previous year total 08 polio cases were reported in Pakistan in which Balochistan put its share with 03 cases, In Chaman. Gulistan and Zhob polio cases were reported in 2017.

“The three days anti-polio drive to be kicked-off from Monday in Balochistan while Quetta block comprising on Quetta, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah will be in our keen monitory following parents’ refusal.” Syed Faisal said while addressing a press conference here in EOC’s office on Friday.

Flanked by Maulana Abdul Baqi Tauhidi and Dr. Aftab Kakar, Coordinator Emergency Center said, Qilla Abdullah and Pishin are still polio high-risk districts as parents are rigid to not administer their children with anti-polio vaccine.

“More than 2.4 million children would be administrated with anti-polio drops in Balochistan, and we have directed all authorities to pay more attention on Pak-Afghan bordering areas during years’ first anti polio drive.” syed Faisal added.

9764 teams are taking part in coming anti-polio campaign in which 8375 mobile teams, 890 fixed sites and 499 transit points have been constituted.

“We have to pay more attention in coming campaigns because it will be years’ first drive and all concern authorities were directed to pay more attention amid Pak-Afghan border where thousands of people crosses the border on daily basis.” Coordinator Emergency center said.

He urged parents to administer their children with anti-polio drive and save them from lifetime disability causes by notorious polio virus.

Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the only three countries where polio virus still endemic and endangering children’s future.

Environmental samples in Quetta’s Sur Pul area resulted positive with existence of polio virus.