Murad launches week-long anti-polio drive in 24 districts by administering drops to children at Gadap
Imran
Murad launches week-long anti-polio
drive in 24 districts by administering drops to children at Gadap
KARACHI Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah
inaugurated a week-long anti-polio campaign across 24 districts by
administering polio drops to children at the newly established Gulshan-e-Aka
Khail in Gadap and urged parents to protect their children from the crippling
virus by providing them with oral polio vaccines.
“Together, as a community, let us
forge a path towards a polio-free environment, securing a healthier future for
our children.”
This he said while speaking at the
inauguration ceremony of anti-polio camping at Gadap. The ceremony was attended
by Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch,
Provincial Coordinator EOC Irshad Sodhar, CEO PPHI Javed Jagirani, National
Chair, Rotary International Aziz Memon, Dr Asif Zardari of WHO, Dr Shaukat
Chandio of UNICEF and others.
The Health Department has launched a
Sub-National Immunization Days (NIDs) campaign from April 29th to May 5th,
2024. This crucial initiative aims at vaccinating approximately eight million
children under the age of 5 against poliovirus in 24 districts of Sindh.
Over 62000 front-line workers will
work throughout the province, ensuring every eligible child receives this
life-saving vaccine. This massive effort will be supported by almost 4000
security personnel. The CM urged all schools, hospitals, and caregivers to
welcome vaccinators, as they truly are fighting on the frontline in the last
stages of our battle against this debilitating disease.
Minister Health & Population Dr
Azra Fazal Pechuho said that the campaign was aimed at stopping the alarming
trend of positive environmental samples in Sindh and all over Pakistan,
threatening the health of our children.
In recent reports, 11 positive
environmental samples have been isolated from various sites in Sindh. This
situation underscores the urgency of this vaccination drive. Pakistan and
Afghanistan are the two remaining endemic countries, and interrupting virus
transmission in this epidemiological block is critical to eradicating polio.
The Polio Programmes of both countries are united in a single mission to
protect children from lifelong disability and end polio in the region.
Mr Shah said that despite security
challenges and persistent virus clusters, efforts were ongoing to ensure the
vaccination of every child. “To ensure no child is left unprotected, we
encourage parents whose children are missed to contact the Emergency Operations
Centre’s Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline 1166,” he said.
The media plays a pivotal role in
disseminating critical information. The CM
urged journalists and community leaders to rally support for the ongoing
anti-polio campaign, echoing the endorsement of medical experts and religious
scholars who advocate for the safety and efficacy of the oral polio vaccine.
Minister Health & Population Dr
Azra Fazal Pechuho said that the campaign was aimed at stopping the alarming
trend of positive environmental samples in Sindh and all over Pakistan,
threatening the health of our children.
