Govt to immunise 20m children in polio drive

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has decided to vigorously carry out the upcoming anti-polio campaign in November given a possible hiatus in the drive due to the threat of Covid-19.

The health authorities have set a target of immunising about 20 million children up to the age of five years during the November’s campaign.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid presided over an important meeting to review the steps being taken to eradicate polio, at the Chief Secretary’s Office here on Tuesday.

Punjab Chief Secretary Jawad Rafique Malik, secretary primary health, commissioner, Lahore deputy commissioners, and officers concerned attended the meeting whereas the divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and chief executive officers of district health authorities participated through video link.

Speaking at the meeting, the provincial health minister said the number of coronavirus cases was increasing in the province and due to which it may not be possible to continue the anti-polio campaign regularly. He directed the authorities concerned that November’s campaign be made a success by paying special attention to the coverage of missed children.

Malik said there was a need to work with the ‘national spirit’ to eradicate polio. He said that the human resource model and micro-plans should be reviewed in the vulnerable districts.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th, 2020.