Polio workers assured of security

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that the safety and security of polio workers is being ensured during the vaccination campaigns. She was presiding over a Polio Oversight Board meeting in which it was agreed to launch collective endeavours for the complete eradication of the disease from Punjab. It was agreed to ensure vaccination of children arriving from other areas. According to a statement, complete cooperation was assured on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other institutions for the elimination of polio. CM Maryam Nawaz said, “It is our resolve to make Punjab polio-free completely. I am personally monitoring the vaccination campaign. Polio can only be stamped out by undertaking prompt emergency response.” She said her government was focusing on the provision of health and treatment facilities to the masses. Field Hospitals and ‘Clinic on Wheel’ projects have been launched for the people belonging to the remote villages and urban areas. A WHO representative praised the resolve of the government for polio eradication. The chief minister was given a briefing on an ongoing polio vaccination campaign in various districts. She was informed that the anti-polio targets had been attained up to 85 per cent during the past seven months in Lahore. The anti-polio campaign is ongoing in 10 districts of Punjab since April 29. Counters have been established at the transit points for the polio immunisation of Afghan citizens. The Punjab government is providing complete security and other facilities to the anti-polio teams. WHO Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy and other experts put forth their proposals and recommendations. An 18-member delegation of the Polio Oversight Board also called on Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman. The chairman of the board said he was hopeful for the elimination of the virus from Pakistan. However, he said, the mobile population was a major source of virus spread. Effective measures must be taken to ensure 100 per cent coverage of children missed during vaccination, he said. The chief secretary said the routine immunisation programme was also being improved along with the anti-polio campaign. With additional input from APP Published in The Express Tribune May 3rd, 2024.

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