By Imtiaz Hussain
KHAIRPUR: Deputy Commissioner Khairpur Altaf Ahmed Chachar inaugurated the anti-polio campaign scheduled from 18 May to 21 May 2026.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Assistant Commissioner Khairpur Umamah Solangi, the principal of Pak Turk School, officials of the health department, teachers, doctors, polio workers, lady health workers, vaccinators and other relevant staff.
Talking to the media, the deputy commissioner said the campaign had been launched in selected high-risk districts instead of across the entire country or all districts of Sindh due to the continued threat posed by the poliovirus.
He said that under the directions of the provincial government, children in these areas would receive an additional dose of the polio vaccine as part of efforts to eliminate the virus and strengthen immunity among children.
He further said that during the campaign all children under the age of five in District Khairpur would be given anti-polio drops.
He urged parents to cooperate with health teams and ensure that no child was left unvaccinated, stressing that timely vaccination was essential to protect children from permanent disability caused by polio.
Deputy Commissioner Altaf Ahmed Chachar said lady health visitors and vaccinators had been deployed across every union council in the district to carry out the campaign effectively.
He added that public awareness banners and informational material had been placed at rural health centres and basic health units, while community mobilisers were visiting different areas to inform and encourage families about the importance of vaccination.
He said officials from the district administration and health department would conduct field visits throughout the campaign to monitor progress and address issues promptly to ensure the success of the drive.
On the occasion, he also led an awareness walk to promote public understanding of polio prevention and the importance of vaccination. The walk was attended by health officials, polio workers, social activists, teachers, students and members of civil society.
Earlier, the deputy commissioner attended an advocacy programme at Pak Turk Maarif International School as chief guest, where he highlighted the importance of education, healthcare and proper child upbringing while addressing parents, teachers and students.
