Sindh makes major polio gains as 76% surveillance sites turn negative, massive April campaign planned
Irfan Ali
• Murad Shah mobilises 73,000+ workforce for polio eradication push
• In 7-day April 13-19, drive 10.5 m children to be vaccinated
KARACHI, 9 March: The Government of Sindh has reported significant progress in polio eradication efforts, with 76 per cent of environmental surveillance sites testing negative for poliovirus, marking the greatest improvement in the past three years.
The update was shared during a meeting of the Provincial Task Force on Polio Eradication, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the CM House. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, senior administrative officials, representatives of international partners, and district authorities via video link.
The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to launch a province-wide National Immunisation Campaign from 13 to 19 April 2026, aimed at vaccinating approximately 10.5 million children under five years of age across 30 districts and 1,708 union councils.
He noted that environmental surveillance results indicate substantial improvement, with 22 of 29 sites now testing negative compared to all sites being positive in March of the previous year. He described the progress as a reflection of strengthened field operations, improved supervision, and enhanced reporting systems, while emphasising the need to sustain momentum through continued efforts.
Incharge EOC told the meeting that Karachi Division has shown marked improvement, with 10 of 12 surveillance sites now negative. Other divisions have also demonstrated sustained progress, with Sukkur Division reporting a full negative status. Several districts, including Ghotki, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Hyderabad, Dadu, Sujawal, Jamshoro, and Shaheed Benazirabad, have maintained consecutive months of negative results.
The Chief Minister was further briefed that Sindh has reported one polio case in 2026, compared to nine cases in 2025. He directed authorities to strengthen surveillance and response mechanisms in high-risk areas.
For the upcoming campaign, a comprehensive operational plan has been finalised. A total of 73,824 frontline workers, supported by 8,354 area in-charges and 1,713 Union Council Medical Officers, will implement vaccination activities across the province.
Karachi will host the largest deployment, followed by Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Mirpurkhas divisions. In addition, 22,290 police personnel have been mobilized to ensure security, with over 24,000 personnel committed in support of field operations. A total of 2,349 female police personnel will assist in sensitive and hard-to-reach areas to facilitate household-level access.
The Chief Minister emphasised that adequate human resources and security arrangements are essential to achieving universal coverage. He urged all departments to ensure close coordination for effective implementation.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing reforms in the polio programme, including enhanced training, strengthened supervision mechanisms, and improved data quality audits. Special response teams have been deployed in selected districts to address remaining gaps.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister stated that Sindh remains determined to eliminate polio. He stressed that sustained vigilance, accountability, and coordinated action are critical to achieving complete eradication of the disease.
