Sindh Kicks Off 7-Day Polio Drive in Karachi

In a significant stride towards a polio-free future, a comprehensive week-long polio eradication campaign is set to kick off in 30 districts of Sindh starting January 8. The ambitious initiative aims to safeguard over 10 million children, aged up to 5 years, from the debilitating effects of this disease.

Championing this cause, the provincial task force for polio eradication, led by Chief Secretary Sindh Dr. Muhammad Fakhar Alam, meticulously deliberated on the campaign’s intricacies. The high-stakes meeting, attended by key officials, focused on preparation, implementation, and ensuring the security of workers involved in the drive.

The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for robust measures, especially in high-risk union councils, to yield substantial results. He directed Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor the campaign, providing daily reports on progress.

Highlighting the collaborative effort, CS Sindh commended the cooperation of local government representatives. The ambitious campaign targets more than 10.3 million children, deploying over 80,000 dedicated polio workers and supervisors across the region.

Dr. Irshad Ali Sodhar, Coordinator Emergency Operation Center Sindh, shared that Karachi reported two polio cases in 2023, an alarming situation. He assured that effective measures, including a comprehensive security plan, have been put in place to ensure the vaccination of all children, with training of staff already completed.

Furthermore, CS Sindh directed the Health Department to arrange for administering anti-polio shots at railway stations and bus stands. The Education Department was instructed to oversee vaccination in both private and public schools, underscoring the commitment to leaving no child behind in the fight against polio.

As the campaign unfolds, the concerted efforts of all stakeholders aim to create a protective shield for the vulnerable, marking a pivotal step in the relentless pursuit of a polio-free society.