Quetta, March 24, 2011: Stressing upon the need of making immunization drive more effective and result oriented, speakers at a seminar have urged parliamentarians, civil society organizations and media to join hands for the cause of saving women and children from diseases.

The pledge was made at a special briefing organised by Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) at a local hotel here today. The event was chaired by Dr. Fauzia Nazir Marri, MPA (BNP-Awami) Advisor to the Chief Minister Balochistan.

Opening the session, PILDAT project manager Faheem Ahmed Khan recalled that his organization had formed a caucus of lawmakers in June which had chalked out future course of action after holding in-depth discussions on importance of immunization. The alarming increase in the spread of the disease has necessitated this deliberation he said.

Following him, Dr. Aurangzeb Kamal, Immunization officer, UNICEF, gave an overview of the recent Polio campaign run in the province and highlighted the problems faced during the campaign. He highlighted Qila Abdullah as the main troubled area where the vaccination teams were facing problems and requested the cooperation of the elected members of the parliament.

Dr. Aurangzeb further said that if we were not able to stop the spread of polio in the country �it�s a hazard that can isolate us from the rest of the world,� he said adding, �PILDAT had suggested legislation to make immunization mandatory for the very reason�.

The session was attended by six Ministers of the Balochistan Government and a large number of Media and civil Society Organizations.