Govt asks Sindh to strengthen polio immunisation, offers assistance

Tarar suggests the govt use Rangers to provide security to polio teams

ISLAMABAD: Minister of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar has stressed on strengthening routine immunisation in Sindh, especially in high risk union councils (UCs) against the poliovirus, and assured the government’s assistance in the polio programme.

While chairing a meeting in the chief secretary’s office in Karachi, the health minister expressed concerns over weak routine immunisation coverage of just 29%.

“This low level of immunity among children calls for an immediate action on emergency basis,” she said.

Tarar suggested that Rangers must be used to provide security cover to polio teams in sensitive areas. She expressed satisfaction over arrangements for the forthcoming polio round in Karachi.

She also offered support of the recently constituted Cabinet Committee on Immunisation for provision of additional security, if required.

An action plan for targeting high risk UCs was also presented and approved in the meeting.