CM Sindh reviews Polio eradication efforts amid concerns over vaccination refusals

KARACHI: The Provincial Polio Task Force, led by Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, convened to review preparations for the upcoming anti-polio campaign scheduled from February 3-9, 2025. The meeting addressed critical issues, including vaccination refusals and high-risk areas across the province, particularly in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Larkana.

During the briefing, officials highlighted that 98% of vaccination refusal cases in Sindh were reported from Karachi, with 50% of these cases concentrated in Karachi's Katchi population. In 2024 alone, 244,233 children remained unvaccinated during polio campaigns, with 197,902 children not found at home and 46,331 refusals.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed strong concerns, stating, "Refusal to vaccinate is unacceptable, and we must achieve full control over polio by 2025." He directed the health department to take strict action against District Health Officers (DHOs) in areas reporting high refusal rates and emphasized addressing fake or incorrect vaccination coverage reports.

On a positive note, the meeting revealed that polio virus samples from Tharparkar and Matiari had tested negative, signaling progress in these areas. However, challenges persist, with Sindh reporting 22 polio cases in 2024, out of Pakistan’s total of 73 cases. Among Sindh's cases, eight were reported in Larkana Division, six in Karachi Division, four in Hyderabad Division, two in Sukkur Division, and one each in Shaheed Benazirabad and Mirpurkhas Divisions.

The Sindh government remains committed to eradicating polio, focusing on enhancing community awareness, targeting high-risk areas, and ensuring the successful implementation of the upcoming campaign. Strict measures are being adopted to tackle vaccine refusals and ensure every child is protected against this debilitating disease.