Seven-day anti-polio campaign starts in Karachi today

The seven-day polio immunization campaign in Karachi will start from today (Monday), February 2, and will continue until February 8, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to details, the city administration has finalized arrangements with the health department and international organizations for the anti-polio drive.

Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, chaired a meeting with Deputy Commissioners, health officials, and EOC representatives to review preparations. 

EOC Coordinator Shehryar Gull Memon and Task Force Coordinator Saud Yaqoob briefed the Commissioner, saying that the campaign would involve international support. 

The polio vaccination campaign in Karachi aims to vaccinate over 2.1 million children. While 22,000 polio workers, 2,700 area in-charges, and 267 UC medical officers have been deputed for performing their duties in the Polio eradication campaign.

Additional Inspector-General of Police Azad Khan said that overall 7703 security personnel, including women, will be deployed for the security of polio teams. 

2724 security will perform their duties at West Zone, 2908 in 2071 in South. Additional DIG Azad Khan further said that strict directives already issued to DIGs of all three zones to adopt foolproof measures for the security of polio teams.

Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, has said that the city administration has planned the campaign with the support and coordination of EOC, the health department, the WHO, Gates Foundation, Rotary, and UNICEF, to achieve the target of 100 percent coverage.

Reporter: Salman Saleem