Zubair Qureshi Islamabad
A comprehensive strategy is currently being deployed in Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to curb wild polio virus transmission. This was transpired in a meeting of Caretaker Health Minister Dr Nadeem Jan with Chief Secretary of KP, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry and Inspector General of KP Police Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur to discuss pressing concerns on endemic wild poliovirus transmission in KP.
It may be mentioned here that two children have been paralysed by polio in Pakistan this year. Both boys belong to Bannu, southern KP. For these high-risk areas, a coordinated and targeted approach has been urgently formulated, with top experts stationed in Bannu to achieve the target of eradicating wild poliovirus interruption by December 2023, the minister said.
The province is gearing up to launch three effective polio campaigns. “Frontline workers are the true champions of our programme,” Dr Jan said during his meeting, emphasizing their relentless work even under challenging conditions.
Their unwavering commitment to safeguarding children from the polio disease doesn’t go unnoticed, he added. Acknowledging the potential risks, the Chief Secretary said: “Protecting the lives of our polio workers is paramount. Strict security measures will be in place during these campaigns.”
