Beating polio: National Immunisation Days from November 10

District officers have been instructed to up their performance

LAHORE: The province will be observing the days between November 10 and 12 as National Immunisation Days against polio virus.

Extended Programme of Immunisation Director Munir Ahmed chaired a meeting in this regard on Thursday. All DOHs from the province’s 36 districts were present on the occasion. Representatives of the WHO, Unicef and the Rotary Club were also present on the occasion.

Following a data analysis and progress review of all districts was presented and Dera Ghazi Khan, Bhakkar and Rajanpur—the worst performing districts—were directed to revamp performance standards there. Those present on the occasion were informed that mother and neo-natal tetanus would be eradicated soon. They were told that its incidence had shown a remarkable drop in the province in accordance with international benchmarks.

Officials were also asked to regularly submit surveillance reports on measles in their districts.

EPI Director Munir Ahmed said the next Neilson Survey would commence on November 16. Progress on the implementation of the Red Strategy in south Punjab was also reviewed on the occasion.

As part of the strategy, integrated efforts to boost routine immunisation are undertaken in select districts of the region with low human development.

The EPI director gave a presentation on dropout rates across every district and the discrepancy between first dose (BCG) and measles. Officials were instructed to hold vaccinators accountable where the rates crossed acceptable thresholds.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2015.