Immunisation: ‘Case response’ campaign planned for eight districts

Drive to eliminate polio virus in high-risk areas, including IDP,refugee camps

PESHAWAR: After a poliovirus case surfaced from the tribal areas earlier this month, officials dealing with the polio eradication campaigns have planned to carry out a ‘case response’ targeted campaign in districts located adjacent to Fata.

“Cases were reported from DI Khan and South Waziristan Agency which suggested the poliovirus can be found in the area,” said Emergency Operation Cell provincial coordinator Akbar Khan. “That is why we want to carry out a campaign to curb the virus’ movement,” he told The Express Tribune.

He said cases were not reported from areas once considered reservoirs for poliovirus. Nevertheless, the officials dealing with the polio eradication campaign will not be taking it easy until the virus is completely eliminated.

“Environmental samples have proved negative for carrying the poliovirus, specifically in Peshawar. However, the risk still exists and we won’t take it easy until we beat the virus completely,” Khan informed Akbar. He stated a ‘case response’ anti-polio campaign will be carried out in high risk districts as well as IDP and Afghan refugee camps.

“Union councils of high risk districts as well as 50 camps, both for displaced population and Afghan refugees have been identified for action,” a senior health official said.

The official added 1,994,000 children, below five years of age, will be vaccinated against the virus by 4,941 teams led by 972 area supervisors.

The target is to eliminate the virus in eight districts including Peshawar, Bannu, DI Khan, Tank, Karak, Kohat, Hangu and Lakki Marwat.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 17^th, 2016.