Loralai: Commissioner Loralai Division Saadat Hasan highlighted the ongoing struggle against polio in Balochistan during the inauguration of a new anti-polio campaign at Loralai Teaching Hospital. Despite considerable efforts and resource allocation, the region and Pakistan overall continue to face challenges with the disease, evidenced by 17 new cases reported nationally this year, including 12 from various districts in Balochistan.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, while Loralai Division has not reported any new cases in recent years, positive test samples from the area have raised concerns, emphasizing the need for renewed focus and commitment to eradicating polio. The campaign, running from September 9 to 13, 2024, aims to vaccinate 190,512 children under five years of age across 58 union councils in the division. Commissioner Hasan stressed the importance of security for polio teams during their door-to-door visits, reflecting on the critical role of various community stakeholders in what he described as a jihad against polio.

The event saw significant participation from local and international health officials, including Deputy Commissioner Miran Baloch, WHO Area Coordinator Dr. Ayaz Ahmed, and representatives from UNICEF and the WHO, all underscoring the collaborative effort required to tackle the polio crisis effectively.