Polio drive launched to vaccinate over 10.6m children in Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday inaugurated a week-long province-wide polio eradication campaign targeting over 10.6 million children under the age of five, including 2.76 million in Karachi.

The campaign, which will run from April 21 to April 27, will be supported by nearly 70,000 trained frontline workers going door-to-door across the province, including schools, shopping malls and transit points, to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.

The launch ceremony was held at the CM House, where Shah administered oral polio drops to children, reaffirming the provincial government’s resolve to eliminate the crippling disease from the region.

A total of 25,360 police officials have been deployed to provide security to polio teams and ensure smooth operations across all districts of the province. Despite a severe heatwave, frontline health workers are continuing their efforts undeterred. The CM acknowledged their dedication, and said the government is supplying water, ORS sachets and other essential items to protect vaccinators from heat-related health risks.

“I urge every parent and caregiver to welcome the vaccination teams,” said the CM. “Polio has no cure. Vaccination is the only way to protect our children from lifelong paralysis.”

He also addressed the lingering concerns around vaccine safety. “This is the same polio vaccine that helped eliminate the virus in most countries around the world. It is administered to pilgrims before Hajj and Umrah, and recommended by paediatricians at private clinics and hospitals.”

He stressed that even children who have been recently vaccinated should be given the drops again during this campaign. “The cold chain is being strictly maintained to ensure vaccine potency until it reaches every child.”

Highlighting the broader objective, Shah said: “Ending polio requires collective commitment, from leadership to frontline workers, and from communities to every household. Sindh stands united in this mission. Let us work together to protect every child, and secure a healthier, safer future for generations to come.”

Health and Population Welfare Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Sindh police chief IG Ghulam Nabi Memon, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Health Secretary Rehan Baloch, EOC Sindh Coordinator Irshad Ali Sodhar, and representatives from WHO, Unicef, BMGF, Rotary and other partner organisations were also present at the launch.

Dr Azra said environmental surveillance still shows continued virus presence, underscoring the urgent need for repeated rounds of vaccination. “Vaccination remains our only protection. We must continue with even greater resolve.”

Residents have been urged to fully cooperate with the polio teams. In case any child under five misses their polio drops, parents can call the helpline 1166 or send a WhatsApp message to 0346-7776546.

Security plan

More than 7,082 officers and personnel of the Karachi police have been deployed to ensure security during the upcoming polio vaccination campaign, scheduled to take place in the city from April 21 to April 27, our correspondent.

According to officials, over 2,506 officers have been assigned to District East, 2,607 to District West, and 1,969 to District South. To ensure foolproof security for polio teams, special measures have been implemented, including the deployment of additional personnel in sensitive areas, snap checking, and enhanced mobile and motorcycle patrolling.

Authorities have also intensified surveillance at the city’s entry and exit points, while secret surveillance arrangements had been put in place to respond swiftly to any untoward incidents.

In case of an emergency, citizens have been advised to contact Madadgar-15 or the nearest police station immediately. The Karachi Police reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its duties and ensuring the safety of all citizens, emphasising the importance of public cooperation in making the city secure.