LAHORE: A special anti-polio drive in 12 districts declared highly sensitive will be kicked off tomorrow (Monday) under which more than seven million children would be administrated vaccine. The districts included Lahore, Sheikhupura, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Layyah, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi and Attock. Preparations for the anti-polio drive were finalized during a meeting held here on Saturday under the chair of Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid. The meeting was told that more than 18,000 Sehat Muhafiz polio eradication teams of the Punjab Health Department would run a door-to-door campaign. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Yasmim Rashid said, “It was a matter of great concern for all stakeholders that environmental samples of polio virus in Lahore, DG Khan and Rawalpindi were found positive that was why we have decided to expedite a special polio eradication drive at selected areas.” She urged parents not to miss the opportunity to get their children vaccinated during the five-day campaign especially those who had been travelled from polio affected areas. “Multiple dozes of polio vaccine were required for a child to be fully protected. Parents who do not ensure vaccination of their children were risking health and lives of their own and other children as well” reiterated the Minister. Punjab completed 2016 without any polio case. But next year, 2017, four-month child from Lodhran found affected of polio. Current year Punjab still is polio free province thanks to frequent polio eradication drives. Globally, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are the three countries still having polio cases. Punjab’s Emergency Operation Centre Coordinator Dr Munir Ahmed emphasized the need for all children to be immunized during every round of immunization campaign days. “As long as the virus was being detected anywhere in the country, no child was safe from being infected”, said the DG Health Services. Dr Munir Ahmad stressed upon parents to call 0800-99000 helpline in case of any suggestions or complaints. The coordinator reiterated his resolve to interrupt virus transmission in the current low season and assured that the polio vaccine is safe, efficacious and approved by the government’s drug regulatory authorities. Published in Daily Times, November 11th 2018.