DI KHAN – A special anti-polio campaign began today across 53 union councils of Dera Ismail Khan, targeting 372,627 children under five. The drive aims to protect young children from the crippling disease and move Pakistan closer to complete eradication.
To make the campaign successful, 2,269 trained health workers have been deployed throughout the district. Officials confirmed that strict security arrangements have been put in place for the safety of polio teams.
Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the national importance of the effort. He said that a polio-free Pakistan is vital for children’s health and the country’s future. Calling polio a “devastating disease,” he urged parents to ensure every child receives the drops during the campaign.
He also praised the dedication of field workers. “Our teams are the real heroes. Their courage and efforts are commendable,” he said. The administration has also appealed to community leaders and religious scholars to help spread awareness.
Earlier, an awareness seminar was held at Gomal Medical College, attended by senior health officials and local administration representatives. The event highlighted the need for unity in achieving a polio-free future.
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) reported that polio cases this year have risen to 23. To counter the spread, a nationwide anti-polio campaign was launched on September 1. Another focused drive starts today in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the virus remains a higher risk.
According to NEOC, over 28 million children under five will be vaccinated across 99 high-risk districts. Authorities stressed that high-quality monitoring and strong community involvement are key to success.
Health experts reiterated their call to parents: ensure children receive the polio vaccine. With joint efforts, Pakistan can eliminate the disease completely.
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