Daily Times

PESHAWAR: Anti-polio campaign feared to be delayed in certain parts of FATA and Frontier Regions (FR) due to shortage of vaccine. September round of anti-polio campaign, still in its third day, is one of the National Immunization Days (NID) that is launched throughout the country. Demand of anti-polio vaccine during NIDs, in comparison to Sub-National Immunization Days (SNID) wherein campaign is launched in certain parts of the country, is much bigger and challenging to meet in one-go. Although most of the vaccine demanded by FATA health authorities for campaigns was delivered; allowing authorities enough back up to launch the campaign. But there were fears of missing the children if shortage of vials were not met timely. To be more discreet and clear concerning coverage and vaccination of children, anti-polio campaign in certain pockets of FATA and FRs were delayed. Deputy Coordinator EOC Dr Ikhtiar Ali said that ‘some of the vaccine vials have been transported to South, North and Orakzai agencies yesterday, whereas, remaining short of the demand vials have been sent today.’ He said Emergency Operation Center FATA team is quite sure that as like previous campaigns target children aimed to be vaccinated in current campaign will be achieved.