Sindh polio vaccination drive targets over 10m kids in 30 districts

KARACHI: A crucial polio vaccination campaign being launched by Sindh health department from Oct 28 to Nov 3, 2024, will administer the oral polio vaccine (OPV) to 10.6 million children under five across 30 districts of the province, while 9.5m kids aged six months to five years will receive Vitamin A supplements to boost their immunity.
The campaign was inaugurated on October 24, World Polio Day, during a ceremony at the Chief Minister’s House, attended by the CM Murad Ali Shah, health minister, chief secretary, local government minister, Karachi mayor, secretary health, and other senior officials. 
In a symbolic gesture, officials administered OPV drops to children and underscored their commitment to eradicating polio from Sindh.
With 12 out of 41 polio cases reported across Pakistan from Sindh, the campaign holds particular urgency. Environmental samples indicate active virus circulation in Karachi and other areas, stressing the need for this preventive drive.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, 81,000 frontline workers will conduct door-to-door vaccinations across the province, supported by approximately 19,000 security personnel to safeguard the polio teams and facilitate a smooth operation.
Irshad Ali Sodhar, Provincial Coordinator of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), emphasized the importance of repeated vaccinations, saying, “Each round is a crucial step in building immunity and protecting our children from polio. It is vital for parents and caregivers to cooperate with vaccination teams to secure their children’s futures.”
Parents are urged to welcome vaccination teams to ensure their children are vaccinated in each campaign round, as multiple doses are essential to strengthening immunity and preventing polio.
For those unable to receive the vaccination during the campaign, the EOC’s Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline (1166) and WhatsApp Helpline (0346-7776546) are available for assistance and information.
The provincial health department has appealed to the media, community leaders, and religious scholars to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and advocate for the protection of children from polio. A collective effort can lead to a polio-free future for Sindh and Pakistan.