PESHAWAR, Oct 28 (APP):Chief Secretary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Fakhr-e-Alam Irfan on Wednesday directed all relevant authorities to ensure high-quality, verifiable polio vaccination campaigns across the province, declaring eradication of the crippling disease a top national priority.
Chairing a meeting of the Provincial Polio Task Force at the Civil Secretariat, he said Pakistan’s global standing was closely linked to its success in eliminating polio, as the country remained among only two in the world where the virus continued to pose a public health challenge.
“We are at the final stage, and the final stage is always the most difficult,” he said, stressing that every stakeholder must contribute to achieving the goal of a polio-free Pakistan.
The CS warned that all districts remained at risk until the virus was completely eliminated from the province. Positive environmental samples detected in some areas indicated that no district could be considered safe from the threat.
He urged district administrations and relevant departments to ensure effective vaccination campaigns, saying a few high-quality rounds could make a significant difference in the fight against the disease.
Fakhr-e-Alam also appreciated the dedication of polio teams working in difficult and sensitive areas.
Despite numerous challenges, he said, the teams had performed commendably, bringing the province close to eradication on two to three occasions.
The meeting received a detailed briefing on preparations for the province-wide polio campaign scheduled for November.
Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Coordinator Sarah Rehman informed participants that preparations had been completed, while field teams were undergoing training to ensure comprehensive vaccination activities in all districts.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
