Anti-polio campaign: Measures planned to curb fake finger marking

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Anti-Polio Task Force has decided to implement strict actions to address fake finger marking by polio staff and non-compliance by government employees refusing polio vaccination for their children.

The National Polio Eradication Campaign, which begins on December 16, aims to immunize 6.55 million children across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the seven-day drive. Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat Peshawar. It was attended by administrative secretaries, law enforcement officials, the Emergency Operations Centre (coordinator, and representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization, also reviewed progress on previous decisions.

Strategies were refined to address the recent surge in polio cases and strengthen ongoing eradication efforts. The chief secretary instructed relevant officials to register criminal cases against individuals involved in fake finger marking and enforce disciplinary measures under applicable rules and regulations.

He directed administrative secretaries and authorized officials to identify non-compliant government employees, withdraw their benefits, and subject them to directly observed vaccination to ensure compliance.

Comprehensive strategies were outlined to enhance vaccination efforts in polio-affected areas. These include engaging local communities and establishing vaccination points at transit locations, community Hujras, primary health centers, hospitals, and other facilities, in addition to door-to-door campaigns.

The chief secretary emphasized the importance of meticulous monitoring and directed Commissioners and deputy commissioners to conduct field visits to oversee campaign activities.

The Provincial Monitoring and Reporting Unit will track progress to ensure punctual implementation. Outstanding campaign performers will be recognized with appreciation letters, while underperforming officials will be required to provide justifications.

The Information and Public Relations Department was tasked with running an extensive awareness campaign on polio vaccination points to encourage direct public participation in polio vaccination efforts.

The chief secretary reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to eradicating polio. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility from all segments of society to achieve this critical public health goal.

Commissioner Peshawar Division Riaz Khan Mahsud unveiled a comprehensive plan for the year’s final National Polio Eradication Campaign, set from December 16 to 22.To address vaccine refusals, he directed local officials, including secretaries of Neighborhood and Village councils, to collaborate with revenue department patwaris and leverage traditional Pashtun jirgas to persuade hesitant parents.

Chairing a meeting of the Divisional Task Force, the commissioner stressed the role of grassroots officials in ensuring the campaign’s success.