Gwadar: Deputy Commissioner Hamudur Rahman has initiated a critical polio eradication campaign set to run from September 9 to 15 as part of the Sub-National Immunization Day (SNID) efforts. This drive comes in response to recent detections of the poliovirus in the local sewage system, heightening the urgency to vaccinate children against this debilitating disease.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the planning meeting, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Tabish Ali Baloch, brought together officials from the district administration, health department, and international health organizations like WHO. The discussions focused on enhancing the upcoming campaign’s reach and effectiveness following the insights gained from previous efforts. Dr. Abdul Wahid Baloch, the District Health Officer, detailed past challenges including parental refusals and logistical issues in reaching all children.
The campaign will intensify efforts at transit points, especially those on routes between Pakistan and Iran, to ensure no child misses the polio drops. Training sessions are scheduled for tehsil-level officers to bolster field monitoring and manage any resistance from parents. Deputy Commissioner Rahman has mandated full participation from all line departments and has issued a stern warning against any absenteeism among officers during this critical period.
The administration’s robust approach aims to secure a polio-free future for all children in Gwadar by marshaling community support and enhancing public awareness about the dangers of polio and the importance of vaccination.