Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi inaugurated a 7-day anti-polio campaign at the Institute of Child Health on Monday, marking a renewed push to eradicate the disease from the city. The event was attended by Sindh Health Secretary Tahir Hussain Sangi, EOC Coordinator Shaharyar Memon, Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso, Karachi Polio Task Force Coordinator Saud Yaqoob Khoso, Health Department officials, police officers, and other stakeholders.
Commissioner Naqvi personally administered polio drops to children at the inauguration ceremony, underscoring the campaign's urgency. Speaking to the media, he stated that the campaign would continue until July 12, with the objective of administering polio drops to 2.5 million children under the age of five across Karachi.
Security Measures and Workforce Deployment
To ensure the safety of polio workers and the success of the campaign, the commissioner announced that 7,000 security personnel have been deployed for security duties. Additionally, 26,000 polio workers are actively performing their tasks, going door-to-door to reach every eligible child.
Naqvi emphasized that polio eradication is a national cause, and efforts to eliminate the disease from the country are being pursued with a spirit of national dedication. He expressed hope that Pakistan will soon become a polio-free nation.
Ongoing Polio Eradication Efforts
This campaign is part of Pakistan's broader strategy to combat polio, which remains a public health priority. According to the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme, the country has seen a significant reduction in cases in recent years, but challenges persist, particularly in high-risk areas like Karachi.
The commissioner's remarks align with the government's commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan, with similar campaigns being conducted across the country. The involvement of multiple agencies and the deployment of extensive security reflect the seriousness with which the authorities are approaching this goal.
