Polio cases from Bannu trigger authorities’ attention

Say media can play vital role in sensitising parents on issue.

PESHAWAR: Keeping in view the emergence of three poliovirus cases recently, officials dealing with polio eradication drives have taken steps further in their campaigns against the crippling virus in Bannu, as two of the cases were from the district.

Officials dealing with the programme told The Express Tribune the district management, besides health officials, have urged the media to sensitise parents about significance of polio vaccination since three children were already confirmed to have contracted the virus in the districts. The media was told persons should be taken on board on the issue, since the rest of the areas were at risk due to the virus’ circulation.

At a joint press conference at the office of Bannu Deputy Commissioner Mian Adil Iqbal on Friday, the DC and District Health Officer Dr Azam Wazir told journalists that media has an important role in raising public awareness and its support was vital for the eradication of polio.

On the occasion, Wazir said the district health department, with technical support of communication and health experts, have planned a number of activities to strengthen the routine immunisation status of children.

Bucked up

Wazir gave the break-up of details, saying the district health department, with the support of partner organisations, will administer inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) at Afghan refugees’ camps in Goriwala and Bizenkhel union councils. He added children between six and 23 months will be targeted in the special IPV campaign that will start on Monday.

The IPV campaign will target 220 children, Wazir said. He maintained routine vaccination and oral polio vaccination will continue to be carried out at health facilities and at health camps. The officer added measles’ campaign was also under way in 22 union councils of Bannu and its target is at least 40,000 children.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2016.