ISLAMABAD: Officials urged parents to ensure their children receive anti-polio vaccines as Pakistan prepares for nationwide inoculation drive from today amid rising number of cases.

Drive aims to vaccinate over 45 million children below age of five during campaign, which will run from October 28 to November 3, according to statement. “Parents are requested to fully cooperate with polio workers,” said Ayesha Raza Farooq, Prime Minister’s focal person for polio eradication, adding, “Parents must ensure vaccination of their children aged below five years.” Pakistan has recorded 41 polio cases this year, underscoring deepening crisis in one of only two countries, alongside Afghanistan, where polio remains endemic. Since late 2018, country has seen resurgence of virus, which has raised concerns about durability of previous gains in combating diseases.