Sindh Government and Rotary Foundation Join Forces to Combat Polio in Pakistan

Strategic Insights -

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Rotary Foundation Chairman Mark Maloney met to discuss the ongoing efforts to eradicate polio in Sindh province. Despite the challenges posed by cross-border travel from neighboring countries, the Sindh government remains committed to making the province and Pakistan polio-free. The meeting highlighted the importance of vaccinations, social mobilization, and community engagement in achieving this goal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Sindh government has detected polio cases due to frequent cross-border travel from neighboring countries, despite its hectic efforts to eradicate the disease.
  • The government has initiated vaccinations for all malnourished children to strengthen their immunity and has successfully administered a fractional injectable polio vaccine (IPV) in 85 high-risk union councils of Karachi.
  • The Rotary Foundation has established 23 permanent immunization centers across Pakistan and is providing support in high-risk union councils within Sindh.
  • Over 5,000 police personnel ensured a secure environment for frontline workers during a recent polio campaign.
  • The Sindh government has vaccinated children of over 5,000 previously resistant families, ensuring that no child was left behind in the fight against polio.
  • The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials from the Rotary Foundation and the Sindh government, including Trustee Aziz Memon, Director Faiz Kidwai, and Minister Health Dr Azra Fazal.
  • Chief Minister Shah expressed gratitude to the Rotary Foundation for their support in Pakistan's fight against polio.
  • The Sindh government's efforts to make Sindh and Pakistan polio-free have been bolstered by the dedication of deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, and other government officials.

Statistics:

  • 23 permanent immunization centers have been established across Pakistan by the Rotary Foundation.
  • The Sindh government has detected polio cases in Sindh despite challenges posed by cross-border travel.
  • Over 5,000 police personnel were involved in ensuring a secure environment for frontline workers during a recent polio campaign.
  • More than 3,000 members from the revenue department, administration, and elected representatives participated in the polio campaign.
  • The health department successfully vaccinated children of over 5,000 previously resistant families.

Sources:

  • Karachi -- Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah's meeting with Rotary Foundation Chairman Mark Maloney.
  • Rotary Foundation (no specific date mentioned)