The nationwide polio vaccination campaign, aiming to inoculate over 40 million children below the age of five, is set to commence in three phases starting January 8.

The five-day vaccination drive will be conducted in three phases to combat the debilitating effects of polio on children. The initial phase is scheduled from January 8 to 14, followed by the second phase in North Waziristan and Bannu, spanning from January 15 to 19. The third phase is planned for South Waziristan. Over 300,000 health workers are enlisted to ensure the comprehensive coverage of the vaccination campaign.

In parallel news, the Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of poliovirus in environmental samples from Quetta district. Two samples of sewage water tested positive for the virus. The Ministry spokesperson emphasized the robustness of the polio program's surveillance system and the government's committed efforts toward eradicating polio. An integrated strategy has been outlined for high-risk areas to combat the spread of polio.