IPV campaign: Polio drive to target 0.127m children in 2nd phase

PESHAWAR:

Authorities dealing with poliovirus campaigns are prepared to launch the second phase of the inactivated polio vaccination (IPV) drive. The campaign, according to officials, will span seven days and cover 43 union councils.

They added 127,266 children between four and 23 months would be inoculated against poliovirus. A total of 422 teams were formed for the drive.

Chief Secretary Amjad Ali Khan directed authorities to realise their responsibilities and make coordinated efforts to completely eradicate the crippling disease in K-P. Chairing a meeting of the Provincial Task Force for Polio Eradication at the Civil Secretariat on Friday, Amjad Ali was flanked by administrative secretaries of various government departments and NGO representatives. Commissioners and deputy commissioners from all across K-P were also in attendance.

A statement issued by the information department read that Amjad called for wiping out the poliovirus, adding this target could only be achieved if all involved worked with determination and dedication. Immediate measures must be initiated to remove security and financial issues which create bottlenecks and hinder the campaign, the statement quoted the chief secretary as saying.

He warned a lackadaisical approach would not be tolerated and asked deputy commissioners to play their role in making the province polio-free.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2016.