Over 23m children to receive polio drops in 68 districts

Islamabad : The PM’s Special Assistant on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan inaugurated the Sub-National Immunisation Days (SNIDs) campaign here at the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) on Thursday. The campaign will kick off on August 2 to reach more than 23.6 million children in 68 districts of all four provinces, including the federal capital.

Approximately, 179,000 frontline polio workers will go house-to-house, observing strict standard operating procedures for COVID-19, to ensure children’s protection from the crippling poliovirus.

“Pakistan has made significant progress over the past months and with declining polio cases, it is important to continue with full force. We need to ensure all eligible children are vaccinated during each campaign to build up their immunity. I urge all parents to welcome the polio teams and accept the polio drops,” said Dr Faisal Sultan. The Director General Health Dr. Rana Safdar, and National Coordinator of the Polio Programme Dr. Shahzad Baig were also present on the occasion, among others.

“The current gains of the programme are fragile and can easily be reversed, especially during high transmission season when the virus is especially active. This is the most critical time for the programme,” said Dr. Shahzad, urging frontline workers and all stakeholders to continue their hard work.

“Immunisation is a right of every child, and it is the safest way to ensure good health of children. Parents and caregivers should play their role to ensure vaccination during the campaign,” said Dr. Shahzad. He appealed to the parents to cooperate with the visiting frontline workers.

The declining trend of reported polio cases and negative environmental samples indicate a positive epidemiological outlook for polio eradication in Pakistan. As of July 29, there has only been one case of wild polio reported this year, compared to 66 at the same time last year.