Punjab becomes polio-free province

LAHORE: Punjab has become polio-free after all environmental samples collected from the sewerage water for poliovirus from different cities tested negative, ARY News reported on Friday.

The environmental samples for poliovirus have tested negative in Punjab that had been collected from the sewerage water from different cities including the provincial capital Lahore.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said that it is a big achievement of the provincial government following the blessing of Allah Almighty and a positive outcome of teamwork. He said the efforts of the provincial health department and anti-polio teams are commendable.

The chief minister vowed that the anti-polio vaccination campaign will be continued to immunise the children to prevent the new generation from the life-threatening disease.

READ: NO POLIO VIRUS FOUND IN 23 BIGGEST CITIES OF PAKISTAN

CM Usman Buzdar said that anti-polio vaccination is necessary to prevent our children from disabilities. He added that the children in Punjab are being administered anti-polio drops alongside the vaccination of measles and rubella.

Earlier in October, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Faisal Sultan had said that Pakistan is nearing to eradicate polio.

While talking to a delegation of the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program, he had said, “We should not lose this golden opportunity.”

Pakistan is engaged in efforts to eradicate the poliovirus since 1994, he had said. “The country has extremely improved its polio surveillance and controlled the virus with the best strategy.”

“Despite coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan’s anti-polio program has launched best vaccination drives,” he had said. He had thanked the team for the best surveillance review adding that all resources are being utilized for a Polio Free Pakistan.