Anti-polio drive begins combining f-IPV, OPV

Campaign targets over one million children aged four months to 5 years

KARACHI:

Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho on Thursday officially inaugurated the fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (f-IPV) campaign in 85 union councils of Karachi, urging parents to get their children vaccinated without any hesitation.

The campaign was symbolically inaugurated by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday, underscoring the provincial government's high-level commitment to eradicating polio.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign at a dispensary in Sultanabad area, the health minister said, "Vaccines save lives and protect children from permanent disability. It's crucial to get your children vaccinated with both the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) drops and f-IPV during this special drive starting today."

Accompanied by Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Coordinator Irshad Sodhar, Rotary International Trustee Aziz Memon, and other officials from the EOC Sindh and the health department, Dr. Pechuho called on community leaders to support vaccinators in reaching as many children under five years old as possible.

Running from August 15 to 25, 2024, the f-IPV campaign targets high-risk areas across Karachi, aiming to vaccinate approximately 1,037,000 children aged four months to five years with f-IPV injections using innovative, painless jet injector technology. Additionally, OPV drops will be administered to 1.1 million children under the age of five.

Highlighting the importance of combining f-IPV and OPV to enhance immunity and ensure comprehensive protection against the poliovirus, the health minister mentioned, "This campaign is pivotal in our fight against polio, a disease that continues to pose a significant threat, particularly in densely populated urban areas."

EOC officials informed the minister that around 3,800 trained workers and 16,000 frontline health workers are participating in this campaign, ensuring that every eligible child receives this life-saving vaccine. The campaign's success hinges on the dedication of these workers and the cooperation of local communities.

Extensive collaboration from health workers and volunteers, supported by robust security measures, is in place to ensure the campaign runs smoothly.

"In case any child misses the scheduled vaccination, parents can contact the Emergency Operations Centre's Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline at 1166, our 24/7 WhatsApp Helpline at 0346-7776546, or visit the nearest health facility for assistance," Sodhar added.