'Pindi achieves 100% polio vaccination target'
A health worker administers anti-polio drops to a child, marking the launch of the latest anti-polio campaign in the city. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS
The seven-day anti-polio campaign in the Rawalpindi district has successfully met its target. From February 3 to 9, 1,038,000 children received polio drops, achieving a 100% coverage rate.
To ensure accessibility, mobile teams, fixed centres, and transit vaccination points were deployed across the district, and teams were closely monitored throughout the campaign.
During the campaign, 499 cases of parental refusals were reported, 99% of these were later resolved. However, concerns remain as three out of five environmental samples collected after the campaign tested positive for the polio virus, signaling the continued presence of the disease.
To counter this threat, health officials have announced a new anti-polio campaign in April, with a special focus on vaccinating migrant children.