Sindh Launches Massive Polio Drive in 20 Districts

The Sindh Emergency Operations Centre for Polio Eradication has initiated a broad sub-national immunisation campaign spanning 20 districts across the province. This drive targets more than 5.8 million children younger than five years old, with the aim of administering essential polio drops. The campaign involves a substantial workforce of over 17,000 frontline health workers, bolstered by approximately 15,000 security personnel to ensure its smooth execution.

Concurrently, Karachi has resumed its polio booster dose campaign, which had a brief scheduled pause. This intensive effort is underway in 89 union committees, where a significant number of children have already received their booster shots. Teams are actively working in various locations, including schools and community sites, to reach all eligible children, with special attention given to underserved populations.

Polio, a highly infectious disease primarily affecting children under five, can lead to paralysis and lifelong disability. Vaccination is stressed as the most effective form of protection. The World Health Organisation recommends booster doses, which have been successfully administered. Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the sole polio-endemic nations worldwide, underscoring the critical importance of these ongoing immunisation efforts.