KARACHI: In a decisive move to bolster the province’s fight against polio, Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho officially inaugurated a special Polio Booster Campaign on Monday.
The Inauguration Ceremony
The central launch event took place at the Sindh Secretariat, where the Health Minister administered the additional booster dose to children. The ceremony was attended by key officials including Secretary Health Tahir Hussain Sangi, EOC Coordinator Shehryar Memon, and other senior representatives from the provincial health department.
Government’s Commitment and Strategic Measures
While addressing the ceremony, Dr. Pechuho emphasized that the Sindh government is utilizing all available resources to make the province polio-free. She highlighted the critical importance of immunization in protecting children from permanent disability, noting that parents play a pivotal role in this mission. She urged all guardians to ensure that children aged 4 to 10 years receive this booster dose to secure their future.
Campaign Scope and Security
The campaign aims to reach millions of children through a mix of door-to-door visits and designated vaccination centers. Special focus has been placed on 89 Union Councils (UCs) in Karachi and other sensitive districts across Sindh. Robust security arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of polio teams and guaranteed access to high-risk areas. The Minister called upon teachers, religious scholars, and civil society to join hands with the government in this public health cause.
Why the Booster Matters
Health experts suggest that additional doses are essential in areas where environmental samples have shown the presence of the virus. This booster campaign is designed to increase the immunity levels of children who have already received basic vaccinations, providing an extra layer of protection against the crippling disease.
