Anti-polio drive to persist through Eid break

As festive season sees families come to Pindi, risk of virus spread rises

RAWALPINDI:

Under a new plan the anti-polio campaign is to be conducted at all bus stands, public parks and railway stations throughout the three days of Eid and is to continue at designated special points until April 20.

During Eid, there is a higher risk of polio virus spreading as families come from other cities to mingle with relatives in the Rawalpindi district.

In preparation for the season of increased polio risk, the District Health Authority has cancelled the leave of all field staff while laying down a plan to continue work under the anti-polio campaign during Eid.

Special points have been established in this regard, where polio teams have been deputed. These special points have been established at bus stands, railway stations, public parks and hospitals for administering polio drops.

According to the Head of the Punjab Polio Eradication Program, Khizar Iqbal, in cities where environmental samples for polio virus have tested positive, 92 sites have been marked for administering polio drops to children.

Over 500 polio workers will perform duties at these sites, which will cater to children accompanying families coming from outside the cities. This initiative will continue during the Eid holidays and will conclude on April 20.

“Administering polio drops at polio vaccination sites will help prevent the spread of the poliovirus,” Iqbal affirmed. The District Health Authority Chief Executive, Dr Ijaz Ahmed, stated that those involved in the polio vaccination campaign during the Eid holidays have been made aware of their responsibilities. He himself will also monitor the campaign on-field. He also reported that so far, the environmental samples sent have tested negative.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2024.