CM inaugurates week-long polio eradication campaign

KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah inaugurated the week-long (April 21 to 27), province-wide Polio Eradication Campaign, by administering polio drops to children at the CM House.

The CM announced that the campaign aims to vaccinate over 10.6 million children under the age of five across Sindh, including 2.76 million in Karachi alone. The campaign will include 69,724 trained frontline workers, who will go door-to-door, visit schools, shopping malls, and transit points to ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.

Further, to ensure smooth operations and the security of the vaccination teams, 25,360 police personnel have been deployed across Sindh.

CM Shah praised the frontline workers for their dedication despite the intense heatwave sweeping across the province, stating "to support their tireless efforts, the government is providing water, ORS sachets, and other essential supplies to help them stay hydrated and healthy in the scorching temperatures".

The CM also addressed vaccine safety concerns, assuring the public that this is the same polio vaccine that helped eradicate the virus in most parts of the world. He also asserted that the government is ensuring that the cold chain is strictly maintained to ensure the potency and efficacy of the vaccine.

Further, he stated that even if a child had been recently vaccinated, it is safe and essential to vaccinate them again during the campaign.

CM Shah urged citizens to cooperate with the polio teams, emphasising that every child under five must receive the polio drops. However, if any child under the age of five has missed their polio drops, families can call the 1166 helpline or WhatsApp at 03467776546.

The CM concluded with a message of unity and hope, stating "Ending polio requires a collective commitment, from leadership to frontline workers, from communities to households. Sindh stands united in this mission. Let us work together to protect every child and secure a healthier, safer future for generations to come."

The city police have deployed over 7,000 personnel to provide security for the polio eradication campaign.

Special measures have been adopted to ensure foolproof security for the vaccination teams, with additional forces being stationed in sensitive areas. Further, snap checking, police mobiles, and motorcycle patrolling have also been increased.