Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired an anti-polio meeting on Friday at the Chief Minister’s House, addressing the recent spike in polio cases within the province. The session saw participation from key provincial ministers, the Chief Secretary, the Karachi Commissioner, and various other officials through video link. The discussion centered on the seven reported polio cases this year and strategies to bolster ongoing eradication efforts.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the Emergency Operation Center Sindh Coordinator, Irshad Ali Sodhar, provided an overview of the polio situation and the actions taken to combat it. Reported cases include three in Karachi, two in Hyderabad, and one each in Sajawal and Shikarpur. The meeting underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts to ensure no child is left at risk. Health Minister Dr. Ezra Fazal Pechuho and Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani were tasked with enhancing the polio campaign, with a special focus on areas with vaccination resistance.
Efforts in September have led to the successful vaccination of approximately 9.4 million children across Sindh, employing the FIPV vaccine and conducting a Sub-National Immunization Day (SNID) campaign. The presence of poliovirus in environmental samples has raised concerns, prompting calls for intensified protective measures. Various officials, including the Additional IG of Police, have affirmed their support for securing polio workers as they strive to reach every child, even under challenging conditions.
Chief Minister Shah praised the dedication of frontline workers and emphasized the government’s commitment to a polio-free Sindh. The directives issued aim to close gaps in the vaccination campaign, particularly in high-risk and remote areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage in the upcoming polio drives. The Chief Minister’s call to parents to participate in vaccination rounds highlights a community-wide push against the disease, signifying a united front in the face of this public health challenge.