Pak to launch polio vaccination drive in restive Bajaur

Pakistani authorities will launch a a three-day anti-polio campaign in the restive Bajaur tribal region tomorrow to inoculate over 2 lakh children against the crippling disease.
Political Agent Syed Abdul Jabar Shah said the administration is struggling to purge the region of polio and all possible means are being used for the early elimination of the disease from the region.
He asked the tribal elders and religious scholars to extend their support to the vaccination campaign to make it a success saying joint efforts and team spirit are essential for elimination of the menace.
Support of the local community, especially tribal elders and religious leaders, is imperative for eradicating polio from the region, he said.

Shah assured anti-polio workers of foolproof security arrangements during the campaign.
"The security of anti-polio workers and officials are the responsibility of the administration and all possible means will be used for this purpose," he added.

The political agent directed the health department officials and World Health Organisation representatives to accelerate efforts to make the region polio-free.
Agency surgeon Dr Zakir Hussain said that 2,23,900 children would be vaccinated during the drive while 634 teams had set up for the purpose.
Pakistan is one of only three countries in the world where polio remains endemic.