The federal government has announced a new campaign against polio in 39 districts after the virus was detected in Lahore’s water supply.

Health ministry sources said that the virus was detected on Multan Road and Gulshan Ravi. To cope with any possible transmission, the government has decided that vaccination campaign will be launched in nine districts of Punjab between February 13 and 17.

The minsitry said that 30 districts will see a partial campaign while Lahore and Faisalabad will see an overall campaign.

The campaign will also be extended to seven districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Lakki marwat and Waziristan.

Health Minster Abdul Qadir Patel described the fight against polio as a ‘moral and religious’ responsibility.

“We cannot fight this war without the support of parents,” he said.

The minister also said that this was a good time to begin the campaign because the virus is weaker in the winter season.