Sindh CM for modified strategy to gain easy access to kids in need for polio vaccines

KARACHI: Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, chairing a meeting of provincial task force for polio eradication here on Wednesday, suggested modification in the current strategy to gain easy access to targeted children.

Taking exception to new cases of polio reported from Karachi (Gulshan and Lyari) and Larkana during current year, he said there appear to be certain loopholes hindering well-intentioned efforts to protect children against the crippling disease.

"It is extremely regrettable that we as nation are yet to honour our commitment with the global community to eradicate polio virus from our environment," said Syed Murad Ali Shah referring to 20 plus cases reported from across the country - including 17 from KP and three each from Punjab and Sindh.

Reiterating need to strengthen the ongoing efforts with specific focus on turning them extremely integrated the CM Sindh observed with deep concern that some 251806 cases of refusal were reported in Karachi during April - 2019 OPV campaign.

"This is definitely an issue of deep concern and warrant registration of criminal case against parents refusing vaccination of their under-five kids against polio virus," he said.

The Chief Minister urged the commissioners and district commissioners to actively participate in the vaccination campaign conducted under National Immunization days (NIDs) and Sub National Immunization Days (SNIDs) in the province at regular interval.

"The fact that polio virus persists in our environment reflects a missing link hampering fool-proof protection of our children against the disease that may cripple them," he said in response to a briefing given to him about status in Sindh.

Earlier, Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho in her detailed briefing had mentioned that according to most recent reports polio virus was found in the environment (water sources) of Karachi, Sukkur, Jacobabad, Hyderabad, Dadu and Kambar.

Karachi, registered to be on high risk due to constant to and from mobility  of citizens visiting the port city from across the country was said to have recorded presence of virus in its towns including Gadap, Gulshan, SITE, Bin Qasim, Landhi, Liaqutabad and Saddar - all identified to be thickly populated.

Syed Murad Ali expressing annoyance over resistance on part of parents to get their kids vaccinated against the virus directed district administration to get actively involved in addressing the issue.

The meeting was also attended by Sindh Minister for Local Bodies, Saeed Ghani, Sindh Chief Secretary, Mumtaz Ali Shah, IGP-Sindh Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam, Commissioners from different districts of the province, Representative of WHO, Dr. Mohammad Abid Rehman besides officials from Unicef - Sindh and other concerned agencies.