‘Population movement poses virus risk’

Punjab had been free of polio cases for past three years, says EOC coordinator

LAHORE:

Districts located along Punjab's boundary with other provinces are more prone to poliovirus reinfection, warned provincial Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator Khizer Afzaal on Wednesday.

Addressing review meetings after the conclusion of a national polio immunisation drive in Punjab, he said the province had been free of polio cases for the past three years, but it was susceptible to poliovirus importation from the endemic zones. “Especially mega districts and those located on the provincial boundaries like Chakwal, Attock and Mianwali are more prone to the virus because of high-risk population movement," he underscored.

Read WHO says satisfied with anti-polio drive

The EOC coordinator called for a thorough review of micro plans and deployment of vaccination teams proficient in local language, especially in high-risk districts where priority populations travelled frequently.

He also stressed improving the quality of training of the frontline staff and deployment of more trained and dedicated staff in high-risk union councils.

Afzaal called for coverage of all missed children in outreach sessions.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2023.