Polio Drives in KPK Suspended

Islamabad: A three day Anti-Polio campaign that was launched 22nd of December, targeting the immunization of 2.9 million children across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province against the crippling disease was abruptly halted because of security concerns, according to media reports.

8000 Immunization teams were designated to administer Polio drops and vaccines to children in different areas across the province. According to an official, arrangements had also been made to administer drops at public places including railway stations and bus stops for better outreach and results. However, the campaign had to be halted before any such goal could be achieved due to security threats.

Pakistan is home to the largest number of Polio cases, as of now, and one of the only three countries in the world whose population is still plagued by the Virus. With new cases surfacing each day, the disease continues to spread, forcing disability onto children from every province. Administration of Polio drops and vaccines can effectively prevent the spread but security threats continue to hinder the success of national campaigns aiming to eradicate Polio.

The NICH has confirmed two more Polio cases, taking the total number of cases reported in 2014 to 291.