Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan said on Monday that for better and sustainable results during polio campaigns, female workers from local communities had been hired to ensure that each and every child, especially in vulnerable communities, gets polio vaccine.
He inaugurated a three-day polio campaign in the province at Hilal-e-Ahmer Hospital Clifton. Commissioner Karachi Syed Asif Haider Shah was also present on the occasion. Dr Ibad said that polio workers are also engaged in clearing the misconceptions and reservations regarding the vaccine as they have better reach and access to their local communities.
Replying to a question regarding security of polio workers, he said that it was being ensured according to the needs and requirements of various areas of the city and province.
Responding to another question regarding refusals, the Sindh governor said that the cases of refusals and resistance had decreased considerably as the parents now understand that polio drops are vital to save their children from disability for life.
To another query regarding effectiveness of polio vaccine and cases of polio in children who were administrated polio drops, Dr Ibad said that the matter was being looked into.
“It is our collective responsibility to create awareness about the benefits of polio drops in our respective circles,” he said, and added that people belonging to all walks of life were approached during such polio initiatives.
He opined that polio eradication from our country was essential for rapid economic growth. “The operation in tribal areas has minimised the emergence of polio cases from the area as more and more children are being given polio drops,” he added.
Commissioner Karachi informed Governor Sindh that 2.2 million children would be administered polio vaccine during the campaign for which more than 6,000 teams have been constituted.
