Lower dir: The district administration here on Friday reviewed preparations for the upcoming anti-polio vaccination campaign scheduled to begin on February 2, along with an assessment of the December 2025 polio drive.
The review meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Lower Dir Muhammad Arif Khan and attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Assistant Commissioner, District Health Officer, N-Staff Officer Dr. Ehsan, EPI Coordinator Dr. Wali Khan, WHO representative Dr. Asfandiyar, and other relevant stakeholders.
During the meeting, participants conducted a detailed review of the security plan, training of vaccination teams, updating of micro-plans, field coverage, and availability of logistics to ensure the smooth execution of the campaign.
The deputy commissioner directed the District Health Officer to constitute a special inquiry committee regarding LQS issues to determine responsibilities and lapses, instructing that the committee submit its report within one week.
He also emphasized the need for targeted training, ensuring the attendance of all stakeholders.
He further ordered that polio field staff who showed poor performance in previous campaigns be dropped from upcoming activities.
Stressing that polio eradication is a national responsibility, the deputy commissioner highlighted the importance of strong inter-departmental coordination and directed all concerned institutions to fully support field teams during the campaign.
Officials informed the meeting that 1,465 polio teams, including 325 area in-charges and 41 UCMOs, have been deployed.
During the campaign, 214,076 children across Lower Dir will be administered polio drops.
Concluding the meeting, Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Arif Khan made a special appeal to parents, guardians, and community elders to ensure that all children receive polio vaccination, stating that these drops are essential for a healthy future and a safe life. He reiterated that achieving a polio-free Pakistan requires full public cooperation.