District administrations boost polio immunization drive in Sindh 

KARACHI: The district administrations are playing a vital role in enhancing the coverage during the ongoing Sub-National Immunization Days (SNIDs) campaign in Sindh to eradicate polio in the province. 
The campaign, running from September 9 to 15, aims to vaccinate 9.4 million children under five across 30 districts of the province, focusing particularly on high-risk areas and underperforming union councils.
By the second day of the drive, substantial coverage has been reported in various districts, with daily targets largely being met. However, intensified efforts are being made in more challenging regions to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
Under the directives of Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah, divisional and deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, and district health officers are playing an active role in the campaign, reflecting the government’s resolve to combat vaccine hesitancy and reach every child.
In District Badin, Assistant Commissioner Shaharyar successfully handled 231 refusal cases in Goth Aaru Pussiyo and Goth Kirar Chang through collaboration with local influencers. Similarly, in Hyderabad, Commissioner Bilal Ahmed Memon, alongside Commissioner Faisal Ahmed Uqaili in Mirpurkhas and Commissioner Syed Muhammad Sajjad Hyder Shah in Shaheed Benazirabad, have been pivotal in persuading hesitant families and ensuring vaccination in high-risk areas.
Commissioner Ghulam Mustafa Phull in Larkana ensured vaccination of over 500 previously missed children in remote areas, while Commissioner Fayyaz Abbasi in Sukkur focused on Ghotki’s high-risk zones, resolving over 600 refusal cases.
In Karachi, Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi and DC South Capt. (R) Altaf Hussain Sario monitored progress at Jodia Bazaar, concentrating on converting refusals and expanding school-based vaccination efforts.
While the commitment of Sindh's district administrations and active community engagement continues to drive progress, challenges such as logistical issues and vaccine hesitancy persist.