Polio campaign suspended in North Waziristan after armed assault on police

In North Waziristan, a polio vaccination campaign was suspended after 15 armed men forcibly seized weapons from three police officers assigned to protect the vaccination team in the region’s Shiwa area.

Local police confirmed that the officers were guarding the polio workers when the attack occurred.

Meanwhile, in Upper Orakzai’s Dabori area, gunmen targeted another polio team, opening fire on the police officers assigned for their protection.

The attack claimed the life of one police officer, while another was injured and is receiving medical treatment.

Following the Orakzai assault, police and Frontier Corps personnel launched a search operation in the area to apprehend those responsible.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) noted that security forces are actively responding to ensure the safety of ongoing vaccination campaigns amid growing security concerns.

Polio vaccination drive kicks off in twin cities

The anti-polio campaign has begun in Rawalpindi from today.

Over one million children will be administered Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) during the campaign which will run from October 28 to November 3.

More than 1,700 officers of the Rawalpindi police are on duty to provide security for the polio teams which are administering polio drops to children aged five years and less in all households of Rawalpindi. In total, 270 supervisors will perform duties in the 212 union councils of Rawalpindi.

While the partner staff, World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF will supervise polio campaign. CEO Health, Dr Mohammad Asif Khan told the media that the target to administer polio drops to one million children in Rawalpindi district will be achieved.

He also said that during the campaign vitamin capsules will also be given to children.

The campaign comes right after the Rawalpindi Commissioner Aamir Khattak reported that the environmental samples from Dhok Dalal, taken at two different times, and Safdarabad, taken three times, tested positive for polio in the last four months.

A positive environmental sample indicates a risk that should be avoided, therefore preventive drops are important.

During the inauguration of the anti-polio campaign in the Rawalpindi division, he stated that "eliminating polio is the top priority", and that there will be zero tolerance for negligence in this area. He urged parents, teachers and scholars to join the government's efforts.

To meet the target of vaccinating one million children, 3,717 mobile teams will conduct door-to-door vaccinations, 163 transit camps will be set up for polio vaccination at bus stands, railway stations, main markets and various points through which children frequently come and go.

Additionally, 330 health centres will offer polio vaccination services and 245 Union Council Medical Officers (UMCOs) and 870 area in-charges will be responsible for vaccination duties.