Planning and prioritizing key to success in Polio Eradication – Experts

Karachi: Dr Durray Naaz Jamal, Deputy Project Manager, Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), on Monday expressed her fear that Pakistan might face further international restrictions in future as country is lagging behind in achieving the desired results in effectively controlling the prevalence of polio disease.

She shared these views while addressing an awareness program on the topic: “Healthy Pakistan” held at Karachi Press Club. The event was jointly organized by Expanded Program on Immunization and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

She said that the whole world is about to eradicate epidemics and infectious diseases among the children through massive financial investments and exclusive healthcare facilities. However, in Pakistan a large percentage of the population is unaware of ways to protect the new generation through proper vaccination despite availability of free of cost facilities.

She said that all parents must realize their duties and have their children vaccinated against preventable diseases like polio, pneumonia, diarrhea and measles. She said that the number of infant deaths among children can effectively be reduced through preventive vaccination. She advised parents to visit their nearest vaccination centers and have their children immunized against deadly and infectious diseases.

Renowned Child Specialist, Dr Nawaz Ali Mallah said that the incidents of different infectious diseases are growing day by day in Pakistan due to lack of awareness, and ignorance in the country when most countries in the world have successfully eradicated these diseases through proper immunization programs.
He said that children can be protected from deadly and infectious diseases by raising awareness in the society.  He added that the government must engage media during routine immunization and specials drives. He said that the key to achieving fruitful results and success in campaigns is proper planning and prioritizing beforehand.