The fourth and last national immunization drive of the current year under health department is set to be kicked off across the country from Monday (today). The drive would continue till 26 September. Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid said that elimination of polio was top priority of Punjab Government and anti-polio drive would be observed according to the plan.
"Reaching out every child for vaccination was absolutely critical in order to ensure that no more child suffers from the incurable disease," the minister added. "The goal of making Pakistan polio free would be achieved with missionary zeal," She pledged. She also appealed to parents and teachers to become "helping hands" in anti-polio drive.
Punjab's Emergency Operation Coordinator for polio eradication Dr Munir Ahmed also said that Pakistan was very close to eradicating polio thanks to frequent anti-polio drives. However, he pointed out that "consistent positive environment samples in Rawalpindi and Lahore indicate that children were still at risk in certain areas".