Health Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah Leads Polio Campaign

The Provincial Health Minister, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, kickstarted the anti-polio vaccination campaign in Peshawar by personally administering polio drops to children. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 4.423 million children in two phases to eradicate polio from the region.

Phase One Details

The first phase of the campaign, scheduled from April 29 to May 3, will cover 14 complete districts and eight partial districts. During this phase, children under the age of five will receive polio drops to prevent the spread of the disease.

Phase Two Details

The second phase, running from May 2 to May 6, will focus on five districts to ensure comprehensive polio eradication efforts. A total of 21,000 polio teams and 33,000 security personnel have been mobilized to facilitate the vaccination drive.

Current Polio Situation

Notably, no polio cases have been reported this year, a significant improvement compared to the four cases recorded in 2023. The Health Minister emphasized the critical role of parents in safeguarding their children from lifelong disabilities by ensuring they receive the polio vaccine.

Community Engagement

The minister stressed the importance of community involvement in the vaccination campaign, calling on scholars, local dignitaries, political leaders, and paediatricians to actively support the polio eradication efforts.

Conclusion

The launch of the anti-polio vaccination campaign in Peshawar signifies a crucial step towards achieving a polio-free region. With robust planning, extensive coverage, and community engagement, the authorities aim to protect children from the debilitating effects of polio and ultimately eliminate the disease from the area.