PESHAWAR: Commissioner Peshawar Division, Khalid Mahmood here Friday chaired a meeting to review preparations and arrangements for the upcoming polio booster campaign.
The meeting was attended by NEOC Coordinator, Anwar-ul-Haq, World Health Organization (WHO) National Team Lead Dr. Sagheer, Provincial Team Lead Dr. Khalid Abdul Rahim and WHO Area Coordinator Dr. Ihtisham Hayat.
Participants were briefed that the polio booster campaign will be conducted from October 26 to 31 in Peshawar and Khyber tribal district. The campaign aims to strengthen children’s immunity against polio and prevent the further spread of the virus.
The meeting was informed that vaccination remains critically important in view of the presence of poliovirus in Peshawar, Khyber and adjoining areas of Afghanistan.
During the campaign, all eligible children aged four months to under 10 years will receive a fractional dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) through a needle-free jet injector. Vaccination services will be provided at Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) centres, designated outreach sites and schools to ensure maximum coverage of eligible children.
The participants also reviewed preparations in both districts, operational planning, public awareness initiatives and measures to strengthen community engagement.
Commissioner assured the participants of the divisional administration’s full support for successful implementation of the campaign. He directed relevant departments and partner organizations to ensure effective coordination and provide the necessary administrative assistance.
Emphasizing the importance of protecting children from polio, the commissioner said that safeguarding the younger generation against the crippling disease was a shared national responsibility.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating polio and making Pakistan polio-free assuring that all available resources would be utilized and close cooperation with relevant institutions would continue to ensure the campaign’s success.