Bugti, PM's aide review polio drive

QUETTA:

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti on Wednesday met the Prime Minister's Focal Person for Polio, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, to review progress on polio eradication and discuss practical measures to strengthen routine immunisation across the province.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from the National and Provincial Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs), who briefed participants on ongoing vaccination campaigns and challenges faced by polio teams, particularly in remote, hard-to-reach, and vulnerable areas of Balochistan. Emphasis was laid on improving coordination, monitoring mechanisms, and community engagement to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.

Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq appreciated the Balochistan government's commitment to child health and noted that consistent leadership and improved planning had positively impacted vaccination efforts in the province. She stressed that the complete eradication of polio from Pakistan requires sustained cooperation between federal and provincial governments, along with the trust and active support of local communities.

Chief Minister Bugti said that the polio campaign is not a routine administrative exercise but a critical effort to safeguard the lives and future of children. He reaffirmed that the provincial government is fully committed to supporting frontline health workers and ensuring a secure and enabling environment for vaccination teams to perform their duties without hindrance.

Highlighting key components of the provincial strategy, the chief minister said public awareness, effective supervision, and security support for vaccination teams remain essential. He also underlined the importance of routine immunisation in improving long-term public health indicators in the province.