Campaign against polio scheduled and postponed due to poor weather conditions in some regions – National EOC – Pakistan

Islamabad, January 21, 2019-The first 2019 national polio campaign began today in all districts / zones, with the exception of districts / areas where it was postponed due to weather conditions. According to a press release issued by the National Center for Emergency Operations in Islamabad, the campaign was reported in 21 districts, including one in the KP, five districts in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, four districts in Gilgit- Baltistan, nine districts in Sindh, a district in Punjab. and the capital Islamabad.

According to details provided by the WCC National, districts with a fully postponed campaign include: Chitral to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bagh, Poonch, Sadnuti, Haveli, Neelam to AJK, Astore, Ghizer, Hunza and Nagar in Gilgit Baltistan, and Islamabad.

In addition to the above, the campaign was partially postponed to 14 districts, including: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mansehra, Abbotabad, Dir Upper, Swat and Lakki Marwat, AJK Jehlam Valley, Balochistan Sohbat Pur, Gilgit Baltistan Skardu, in Sindh Sangarh, Thatha, Badin, Kashmor, Kachmor, Sakhar and Ummer Kot.

National Emergency Operations Center Coordinator Rana Muhammad Safdar praised front-line workers for their commitment to addressing all barriers and reaching all eligible children during this crucial national campaign. "The national WCC, in coordination with the provinces and districts concerned, is monitoring the progress of the campaign in Pakistan. The door-to-door vaccination campaign in all the deferred districts will take place as soon as the rain and snow stop, "he said.

For more information please contact:

Dr. Rana Muhammad Safdar, Coordinator, National Center for Emergency Operations at 03005103689.

Note to editors:

Poliomyelitis is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus that mainly affects children under five. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. Although poliomyelitis can not be cured, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this debilitating disease. Whenever a child under five is vaccinated, its protection against the virus is enhanced. Repeated vaccinations have protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost every country in the world to get rid of polio.