Tuesday, May 6, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 29, 1429    

Polio immunization campaign kicks off
85,000 children of Federal Capital to be vaccinated

Islamabad— More than 85,000 children will be immunized against polio in the rural areas of Islamabad during three-day nation wide drive against polio starting from May 6.

Chief Commissioner Hamid Ali Khan said that District Health Office has finalized all the necessary arrangements in this regard.

He said that rural area of Islamabad has been divided into seven zones and 203 mobile teams have been activated for door to door coverage against polio in far flung areas.

Moreover, 29 static centres and nine transit points have also been set up in the rural areas for administering anti-polio drops among the children.

Chief Commissioner Hamid Ali Khan has directed District Health Office to mobilize all available resources for achieving the results and making the anti-polio drive successful in the rural areas.

Addressing the launching ceremony held here at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), the minister said health sector reform is at the top of the agenda and the government is devising a health policy to cater to the current challenges.

She said improving immunization is one of the key indicators for ensuring a reduction in childhood mortality, adding, the government is committed to intensify efforts to achieve the targets which linked to maternal and child health.

Sherry Rehman directed the Ministry of Health to provide full medical assistance and artificial limbs to the recent five victims of polio-virus, who belong to Sindh province.

She said the initiative to protect Pakistani children from Poliomyelitis was launched by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in 1994 when she administered polio drops to her daughter Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari.

“Today, the mission of the Shaheed leader is being carried forward by thousands of health workers and volunteers trekking the length and breath of Pakistan to protect children from diseases and disability caused by the polio virus,” she added.

The minister said the government is committed to provide free and better health facilities to every citizen and all possible steps would be taken in this regard.

She expressed satisfaction over the performance of Lady Health Workers Programme, which was launched during the second tenure of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to provide vital primary health care services at the doorsteps.

Sherry Rehman said the involvement of about 96,0000 LHWs in the polio initiative enhances the reach of the polio vaccine as LHWs have access into homes and enjoy the trust of the communities.

She commended the efforts of National Highways and Motorways Police for providing the much needed assistance to immunize children in transit as they formed a significant segment of the missed children in previous campaigns.

She assured support regarding dissemination of NHMP’s awareness messages from public and private television channels.

She commended the efforts of all the provincial health departments and partner agencies and urge them to participate in the campaign with a renewed vigour and commitment.

Sherry Rehman said “We eradicated Smallpox in the 1970s and Guinea worm disease in the 1990s. She said it is our collective responsibility to protect the health and well being of country’s children.”

Country Director UNICEF Martin Magwanja said the number of polio cases has been reduced from thousands to just five in Pakistan this year and the poliovirus remains isolated in a few pockets across country.

He said global experts have re-affirmed that Pakistan could be the next polio-free country in the world as it has made tremendous progress towards achieving this target.—APP