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Karachi, July 17, 2012 (PPI-OT): A 15- member delegation of Rotary Polio Team of USA and Canada today called on Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah at C.M House. Ambassador against Polio in Pakistan Madam Asifa Bhutto Zardari, Member National Task force for Polio eradication Dr. Madam Azra Fazal Pechuho, Secretary Health Sindh Mr. Aftab Khatri, Secretary Education Sindh Mr. Muhammad Siddique Memon, and others were also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister Sindh highlighted the activities of Polio-eradication programme in Sindh and said that things have improved he added that we have received assistance from focal person at district level, while the Sindh Health department has been directed to full fill the requirements and complete the target fixed by the Government.
He said that province of Sindh be made totally free of Polio upto next financial year, for which concerned efforts are being made. He added that besides, the Deputy Commissioners and other relevant departments are doing the Job in an excellent way and improves activities will bring.
Speaking on that occasion, Ambassador for Anti-Polio drive Madam Asifa Bhutto Zardari in her speech pledged her firm belief that the menace of Polio will be eradicated from Pakistan. Asifa Bhutto Zardari underlined the need of coordination, concentration and cooperation for the purpose and stressed to make the programme a success.
Member, National Task for Polio Eradication Madam Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho MNA informed that during 16th to 18th July 2012 round, the target of 7498143 children has been fixed for which 21385 teams have been formed.
She said that 4138 motor cycles and 1153 others vehicles have been deployed for the campaign launched in Sindh since yesterday in 23- districts of the province. She further informed that in various areas of Karachi, 2284956 children will be administered Polio drops at 482 points, 631 fixed centres and 5619 mobiles will be used for the purpose.
Chief Minister Sindh said that hopefully the target will be achieved and Polio will be eradicated from Sindh by next year. He also announced grant of Rs: 200 million as grant on behalf of government of Sindh for eradication of Polio project. He said that President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Mr Raja Pervaiz Ashraf had been holding meetings in this regard.
On the occasion, President Rotary International Pakistan Mr. Aziz Memon said that it is our Joint and collective responsibility that Pakistan should also be Polio-free state of world. He stressed that like other provinces, Sindh provinces should also make contribution for this noble cause.
Sindh Health Secretary Mr. Aftab Ahmed Khatri assured the participants of meeting that the provincial government in collaboration of World Health Organization has launched effective measures to fulfill the commitment, thereby make the Sindh province free of Polio cases.
The meeting was atteneded among others by Mr. Jonathan David Faerris Polio survivor, Mr. Robert Leepee, Mr. Byron Miller, Mr. Ahmed Azmy, Mrs. Nadia Azmy, Mr. Serge Poulin, Mr. Dino Marzaro, Mr. Maro Drocim, Mr. Aslam Khalika, Mr. Munib Khan, Mr. Faiz Kidvai, Mr. Iqbal Qureshi, Secretary Education Sindh and acting Principal Secretary to C.M Mr. Muhammad Siddique Memon.
For more information, contact:
Mr. Allah Bachayo Memon
Press Secretary
Chief Minister House
Tel: +9221 99202019
Cell: +92300-3524057 (Ext: 336)