Polio eradication is essential to save the new generation

Lahore: Kh. Salman Rafique has said that polio eradication was essential to save the new generation from permanent disability and ensuring a healthy future of them. He said that complete eradication of polio is not possible through solo efforts of any province. He further said that a vigorous anti-polio campaign is being carried out on regular basis in Punjab due to which only one polio case has so far reported during 2014 in Punjab. The genetic analysis of the virus showed that it is identical with the virus found in Landhi Karachi.

He stated this while talking to media men after administering polio drops to the children in the vicinity of Mozang  on the third day of anti-polio campaign in 72 union councils of Lahore. Director Health (EPI) Dr. Munir Ahmed, EDO Health Lahore Dr Zulfiqar and other concerned officers were also present on this occasion.

Kh. Salman Rafique informed that apart from Lahore anti-polio campaign would continue in the sensitive districts i.e. Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Khushab, Mianwali, Rawalpindi, Multan, Mzaffargarh, Khanewal, Lodhran and Vehari during the month of August and September. He disclosed that target of administering polio drops to six lakh children in 72 union councils of Lahore had been set. He said that 28^th August would be the catch-up day on which mobile vaccination teams of the Health Department would cover missing and non-available children.

Responding to a question, Kh. Salman Rafique said that according to the statistic and data, the area of FATA, KPK and Karachi are the reservoirs of polio virus where a total 117 confirmed polio cases have been reported. He disclosed that the polio affected girl of Chakwal Noor ul Huda  had taken polio drops during every anti polio drive due to which the polio virus attack on her was milled while 90 percent limp in her leg has also been controlled. He disclosed that genetically the polio virus found in Chakwal is identical to the virus present in Landhi Karachi.

Kh. Salman Rafique reiterated that Punjab government would continue its efforts for establishing a healthy society and would discharge its responsibilities for the eradication of polio with dedication and national spirit. However, there is a need for consolidated and effective efforts by all the provincial governments to eradicate polio virus as the virus is transferred from one place to another through movement of people and migration of population.