CM Directs Action Against Non-Performing Officials in Polio Campaign

In recent years, Pakistan has faced significant challenges in its fight against polio, a disease that can cause paralysis and even death in children. Despite ongoing efforts to eradicate this virus, the country continues to report new cases, highlighting the need for a more robust response from local authorities. The Sindh province, in particular, has been under scrutiny due to its rising number of polio cases, prompting the Chief Minister to take decisive action.

During a crucial meeting held at the Chief Minister's House, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed his concerns regarding the performance of various officials involved in the anti-polio campaign. He directed Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah to take immediate action against deputy commissioners, senior superintendents of police (SSPs), and district health officers (DHOs) who are not actively contributing to the campaign. "I am working tirelessly to eliminate polio, but I am facing three challenges: refusal cases, reluctance from officers concerned, and migration, which introduces the polio virus into the province," he stated.

The meeting included key figures such as the Minister of Health, Dr. Azra Fazal, and the Incharge of the Emergency Operations Centre, Irshad Sodhar, who provided a detailed briefing on the current polio situation. Alarmingly, there have been 50 reported polio cases nationwide, with Sindh accounting for 13 of these cases. The statistics reveal that the situation is dire, with specific districts like Hyderabad, Jacobabad, and Keamari reporting multiple cases.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister was informed that there are approximately 10.6 million children under the age of five in Sindh, a critical demographic for the polio vaccination campaign. However, the challenge is compounded by the fact that 321,323 children have been recorded as migrating with their parents, making it difficult to ensure they receive the necessary vaccinations. In October alone, there were 43,227 refusal cases identified, which prompted CM Shah to declare, "The time for refusals is over; we cannot afford them." He emphasized the importance of administering polio drops and warned that failure to comply would lead to consequences for the officials involved.

Six district administrations were specifically highlighted for their poor performance during the October 2024 campaign, including Jamshoro, Central, East, Malir, Kashmore, and Tharparkar. The Chief Minister's directive to the Chief Secretary was clear: either improve performance or face removal. This stern approach underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for accountability among officials tasked with protecting the health of children.

As Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries where the polio virus is still prevalent, the stakes are incredibly high. The Chief Minister concluded the meeting by calling for unity among all stakeholders, including parents, to support the government's efforts in eradicating this disease. The fight against polio is not just a government responsibility; it requires a collective effort from the entire community. Only through dedicated action and cooperation can we hope to eliminate polio and protect future generations from its devastating effects.