Immunization Days play a pivotal role in Polio Eradication Initiatives

Peshawar: In addition to routine vaccination, National Immunization Days play a pivotal role in Polio Eradication Initiatives. The three days National Immunization Days (NIDs) has been started from January 30 to February Ist, 2012.

Syed Zahir Ali Shah, Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw Minister for Health was the chief guest on the occasion. In his inaugural speech he stressed that no child less than five years of age should be left untouched during NIDs and only two drops of polio can provide immunity against this crippling disease. He said that press and electronic media is playing an important role in public awareness.

Dr. Janbaz Afridi, Deputy Director EPI while addressing the media, informed that in Pakistan this year total number of confirmed polio case are seven, unfortunately four cases of the total have been reported from Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw including one each case from Peshawar, Kohat, D.I.Khan and Lakki Marwat.

Most of the cases have either missed during campaign or refusals. He informed that the campaign is going to be conducted in all districts except Chitral, because of snow fall in the whole district, due to which house to house movement team is impossible. He further explained that campaign has been postponed in some snow bounded union councils of Districts of Abbottabad, Kohistan and Dir Lower.

Regarding preparedness he informed that all logistics have already been reached to the districts prior to the campaign. Total 15497 teams have been deputed, including 14150 mobile teams, 1575 fixed sites and 772 transit teams, to vaccinate all children below five years of age at their door steps.

Each team should be comprised of at least one government accountable person, to supervise and monitor teams in the field and 3144 area in charges have been nominated for the purpose. At the end Health Minister inaugurated the campaign by administering two drops to children.

For more information, contact:
Government of Khyber Pakhtoonkhaw
Tel: +9291 921 6889 (Ext 106)
Email: info@khyberpakhtunkhwa.gov.pk