Chief Secretary Shah and the EOC Coordinator Sindh are actively involved in motivating staff by acknowledging high performance and encouraging adherence to campaign protocols
KARACHI: The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Sindh convened a pivotal review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Sindh, Syed Asif Hyder Shah, to evaluate the progress and address the challenges facing the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) in the province. The extensive session, which spanned over two hours, was focused on strategizing and enhancing the effectiveness of the ongoing polio campaign.
Chief Secretary Shah highlighted the essential role of divisional and district leadership in ensuring the campaign’s success. The meeting centered on developing robust support structures involving revenue and local government staff to back polio frontline workers. These support teams are intended to provide critical assistance, ensuring that every child receives polio drops without delay.
Key participants included the Secretary I & C, the National EOC Coordinator Anwar ul Haq, Additional Chief Secretary for Local Government, Special Secretary for Health, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners of Karachi division, the PD EPI, EOC Sindh Coordinator , and members of PEOC core team. The EOC Sindh Coordinator briefed the meeting about the updates on PEI, including the fractional Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (f-IPV) and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) plan, and outlined the involvement of revenue and municipal staff at the Union Council (UC) level.
The meeting was a critical step in preparing for the upcoming fractional Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (f-IPV) campaign. Scheduled to start on August 15, 2024, the campaign aims to vaccinate over one million children aged 4 months to 59 months with the f-IPV vaccine and an additional 69,000 children under 4 months with OPV vaccines. The campaign will unfold in two phases, each comprising a 4-day vaccination drive followed by a one-day catch-up session, totaling 10 days of outreach.
Chief Secretary Shah and the EOC Coordinator Sindh are actively involved in motivating staff by acknowledging high performance and encouraging adherence to campaign protocols. This meeting underscores the commitment of senior government officials and the EOC Sindh to eradicating polio and safeguarding the health of children across the province. The collaborative efforts and dedication of all participants are vital in achieving the goal of a polio-free Sindh.
