NOWSHERA: Participants of a meeting said here on Friday that a plan has been prepared to vaccinate more than 250,000 children in the district, including those in Afghan refugee camps.
The meeting regarding the polio eradication campaign was held, jointly organised by the Health Department and Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), and chaired by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Irfan Ullah Mehsud.
The participants said the health department is not only raising awareness among the public about polio and other deadly diseases but are also ensuring the provision of vaccines and nutritional supplements to create a healthy society.
The participants said Afghan refugees must also vaccinate their children. They said parents who refuse to vaccinate their children will face strict legal action, and if necessary, could be imprisoned.
During the meeting, District Health Officer Dr Abu Zar and Polio Campaign in-charge Dr Imran, among others, emphasised that to achieve a polio-free society, the public is encouraged to fully cooperate with polio teams so that the dangerous and contagious disease can be eradicated.The meeting participants said in times of poverty, inflation, and unemployment, it has become even more essential to protect the younger generation from diseases.