Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah launched a province-wide polio eradication campaign on December 16, 2024, at NJV School by administering polio drops to children. The week-long campaign, running until December 22, aims to immunise 10.6 million children under the age of five against the poliovirus. Speaking at the launch, CM Shah encouraged vaccination teams to view their work as akin to a classroom activity, reinforcing its critical role in securing the health of future generations.
The event was attended by senior officials, including Secretary of Health Rehan Baloch, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Coordinator Irshad Sodhar. Over 80,000 frontline workers are taking part in the campaign, conducting door-to-door visits to ensure no child is missed. “To provide a safe environment for this initiative, 15,000 security personnel have been deployed across Sindh,” Murad Ali Shah said. Highlighting the urgent need for action, he noted that 63 polio cases have been reported in Pakistan this year, with 17 from Sindh alone.
“The situation remains critical, as most environmental samples are testing positive for the virus. This campaign is vital to stopping its spread and protecting children from its debilitating effects,” he stressed.
Murad Shah also reminded attendees that Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries where the poliovirus is still endemic. Emphasising the importance of this campaign, he said, “Every child must be vaccinated to halt the virus’s transmission and prevent long-term disabilities.” Irshad Sodhar, the Provincial Coordinator of the EOC, urged families to ensure their children are vaccinated and highlighted the resources available for those who miss the campaign. Parents can seek assistance through the Sehat Tahaffuz Helpline at 1166 or via WhatsApp at 0346-7776546.
The health department called on media, community leaders, and religious scholars to raise awareness about vaccination, stressing its role in achieving a polio-free Sindh and Pakistan.
During the event, senior officials, including Secretary of Health Rehan Baloch and Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, personally administered polio drops to children, showcasing their commitment to the cause. Addressing the media, Shah recalled Pakistan’s long-standing battle against polio, starting with the first campaign launched by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 1994, when she administered drops to her daughter, Assefa Bhutto. Responding to political questions, the Chief Minister criticised PTI’s conduct over the past eight months, stating,
“Their attitude remains unchanged, and they have not learned from their mistakes. We must prioritise the welfare of the people, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” On the issue of the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, Syed Murad Ali Shah pointed out that the constitution mandates an award every five years, yet none have been announced since 2010.
“Future awards will undoubtedly increase the provinces’ shares, but it is regrettable that the last 15 years have seen no progress,” he explained. When asked about rumours of a change in Sindh’s governor, he clarified, “I am unaware of any such development. The Governor is a federal representative, and decisions in this regard are made without consulting provincial governments.”
CM Shah also addressed efforts to rehabilitate areas cleared of criminal activity. “I have directed the Chief Secretary to open schools and start road construction in regions previously controlled by dacoits,” he said, adding that incidents of kidnappings for ransom in Shikarpur, Ghotki, and Kashmore have decreased significantly. “Our government is committed to eradicating these criminal elements entirely,” he affirmed.
On proposals to divert canals from the River Indus, Murad Shah reiterated his government’s opposition. “Our stance remains firm, and there has been no further progress on these proposed canal projects,” he assured.
