CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah expresses concern over rising polio cases

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has expressed grave concern over the rising number of polio cases in the province, revealing that 50 cases have been reported nationwide, 13 of which are from Sindh.

The Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the polio eradication efforts in the province, which was attended by Provincial Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Principal Secretary to the CM Agha Wasif, Secretary Health Rehan Baloch, and EOC In-charge Irshad Sudhir, among others.

During the meeting, CM Shah highlighted the alarming increase in polio cases, with 13 cases reported in Sindh. He was informed that the affected areas included Shikarpur (1), Kemari (2), Hyderabad (2), East Karachi (1), Sajawal (1), Malir (1), Jacobabad (2), Mirpurkhas (1), Sanghar (1), and Ghotki (1).

Dr. Pechuho briefed the CM about the situation in Sindh, mentioning that 10.6 million children under the age of five live in the province. Around 321,323 children frequently migrate, which complicates the vaccination efforts. Currently, 69% of children in Sindh have been fully immunised.

The briefing also revealed that in 2024, 66% of environmental samples taken from 20 districts in Sindh showed positive polio markers. During the October anti-polio campaign, 66% of the target population, or 10.6 million children, received the polio vaccine. However, the CM noted that 40% of children—approximately 49,396—had not been vaccinated.

The CM was informed that 248,758 children remained unvaccinated, including 43,227 refusal cases and 205,531 children who were not present at home during the vaccination drive.

Expressing dissatisfaction, CM Shah instructed the Chief Secretary to direct district commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) to visit areas with refusal cases. “There is no room for refusal now. I want complete coverage for polio vaccination,” he stressed.

He also warned that any DC or SSP showing lack of interest in the vaccination campaign would be dismissed from their duties.

The provincial government has ramped up efforts to combat polio and prevent further spread, with a strong emphasis on ensuring every child receives the vaccine without exception.