QUETTA:A significant milestone has been achieved in Balochistan’s fight against polio as all 23 environmental samples collected across the province to detect the presence of poliovirus have tested negative, reflecting encouraging progress in ongoing eradication efforts.
Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar expressed satisfaction over the development and directed authorities to further strengthen anti-polio measures while ensuring continuity of ongoing vaccination and surveillance activities.
Mir Sarfraz Bugti said the achievement was the result of sustained efforts, effective strategies and coordinated actions undertaken by the government and health authorities. He reiterated that the struggle against polio would continue with full commitment until the disease is completely eradicated and every available resource would be utilized to protect children from the crippling virus.
The chief minister paid tribute to the security personnel and polio workers who sacrificed their lives while performing duties during anti-polio campaigns, describing their sacrifices as shining examples of national service. He expressed confidence that through persistent efforts and concrete measures, the goal of a polio-free Balochistan would be achieved.
Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar said the negative results of all 23 environmental samples reflected three years of continuous efforts, tireless work and effective interventions against polio. He noted that the Balochistan government’s reform agenda, policy continuity and regular monitoring of the anti-polio programme had played a vital role in achieving the positive outcome.
He added that the continuous supervision and support of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and the Chief Secretary of Balochistan had been instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of eradication efforts.
The health minister commended the joint contributions of health department officials, polio workers and parents, saying frontline workers continued to fulfil their responsibilities despite terrorism threats, difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and a lack of basic facilities. He said workers remained steadfast even in the face of incidents involving injuries, abductions and threats.
Paying tribute to those who lost their lives during anti-polio campaigns, Bakht Muhammad Kakar said their sacrifices would always be remembered. He reaffirmed that the Balochistan government stood firmly with polio workers and highly valued their dedication, hard work and commitment.
While describing the negative environmental sample results as an encouraging sign, the minister stressed that continuous surveillance, effective vaccination coverage, support for polio workers and cooperation from parents remained essential for the complete eradication of the disease. He pledged that anti-polio efforts would continue with full force until Balochistan is declared polio-free.