PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah reaffirmed the provincial government’s firm commitment to the complete eradication of the poliovirus, saying that regular anti-polio campaigns were being conducted to protect children from the crippling disease.
He was chairing a meeting of the Provincial Task Force on Polio Eradication where detailed preparations for the four-day anti-polio campaign scheduled later this month in 23 districts across the province were reviewed.
The CS urged the parents to fully cooperate with frontline health
workers visiting their doorsteps to administer polio drops, emphasizing that the vaccine provided lifelong protection against permanent disability caused by polio
and ensured a healthy future for children.
He directed authorities to pay special attention to micro-planning in areas where new cases have emerged and to address existing gaps in planning.
He said that the provincial government was following a policy of accountability and recognition in anti-polio efforts. Districts showing weak performance have been instructed to improve, while officers and polio workers demonstrating strong performance despite challenges are being appreciated.
He also directed officials to focus particularly on post-campaign catch-up activities and stressed that no compromise should be made on the quality of the campaign.
He announced that vaccinators would be provided with modern mobile phones to further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of anti-polio drives.
Appreciating the efforts of polio workers, district administrations, and relevant staff, he directed that special focus be given to the May campaign, particularly in the southern districts, to ensure achievement of campaign targets.
The provincial EOC coordinator while briefing the meeting, informed participants that the anti-polio campaign starting from May 18 would simultaneously be launched in all districts of Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan divisions as well as in Abbottabad, Torghar, Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, Kolai-Palas, Bajaur, Lower Dir, Mohmand, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Khyber, Kohat, Hangu, Kurram, and Karak districts. More than 4.6 million children would be administered polio drops during the campaign.
In Peshawar and Khyber districts, the campaign will continue for seven days.
