Sindh’s 7-day polio drive targets 9.4m kids in 30 districts

KARACHI: The Sindh Health Department is set to launch a Sub-National Immunization Days (SNID) campaign from September 9 to 15, 2024 to immunise 9.4 million children under five years across 30 districts in the province, as part of efforts to curb the spread of the poliovirus.
This initiative comes in response to the 17 polio cases reported in Pakistan this year, with three detected in Sindh. Adding to the concern are positive environmental samples, which indicate continued circulation of the virus in the region.
To meet this challenge, over 70,000 frontline workers will be deployed throughout Sindh, ensuring that every eligible child receives the polio vaccine. 
Provincial Coordinator for the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Irshad Sodhar, emphasised the importance of repeated vaccinations, stating, “Each dose strengthens immunity, bringing us closer to polio eradication.”
Parents and caregivers are urged to ensure their children are vaccinated during each round of the campaign. Cooperation with vaccination teams is crucial to safeguarding children from this crippling disease.
For families who miss out during the campaign, assistance and information are available via the Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline at 1166 or the WhatsApp Helpline at 0346-7776546.
The health department is also appealing to media outlets, community leaders, and religious scholars to spread awareness about the importance of vaccinations, and advocate for the protection of children against polio.