Chief Secretary keen to continue momentum in polio eradication

Lahore, December 29, 2016 (PPI-OT):Chief Secretary Punjab has directed the Deputy Commissioners in Punjab to continue the momentum of good work in polio eradication, especially by enhanced surveillance of high risk migrant/mobile population in all districts in Punjab. The Chief Secretary chaired the quarterly Provincial Task Force meeting which was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Provincial Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department officials, Expanded Program on Immunization technical team and UNICEF, WHO and Gates Foundation representatives.

As per National Emergency Action Plan for Polio Eradication, the Provincial Task Force meets every quarter under the chair of the Chief Secretary to review progress on polio eradication and routine immunization. At district level, the Deputy Commissioners lead the efforts. The Additional Chief Secretary appreciated that Punjab has not reported any polio case in the last one year, emphasizing that the good work must continue and surveillance must further improve especially in areas having large population movement from polio affected districts.

The Additional Chief Secretary took note of districts showing sub optimal performance in routine immunization. The meeting also discussed the introduction of a pay-for-performance package in persistently weak Union Councils. Director EPI Dr. Munir Ahmed presented an analysis of weak Union Councils for which the Chair issued directives for remedial measures.

The Chief Secretary said that only by improving supervision, monitoring and accountability, can Punjab keep momentum of good performance reflected in a zero polio year and improvement in routine immunization coverage. Dr. Munir Ahmed also informed that even though Punjab has achieved NEAP targets of LQAS, the campaign quality still needs improvement in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The Chair also directed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure accountability of peer performers.

For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations, Punjab (DGPR)
Government of the Punjab
21-Mahmood Gaznavi Road (Abbot Road), Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99201390-1-2
Fax: +92-42-99201371-2
E-mail: info@dgpr.punjab.gov.pk
Website: www.dgpr.punjab.gov.pk