LAHORE:
More than 200,000 frontline polio workers and supervisors will participate in a vaccination campaign targeting over 23.3 million children under the age of five across Punjab from April 13.
During a ceremony on Thursday where the Punjab Emergency Operations Center inaugurated the upcoming National Immunization Days (NIDs), Provincial Minister for Health and Population Imran Nazeer said sustained efforts and effective strategies had brought Pakistan closer than ever before to the final phase of polio eradication.
He urged parents to ensure that their children receive polio drops during every campaign.
In Lahore, identified as a high-risk reservoir district, the campaign will continue for seven days, while in the remaining districts it will be conducted over four days.
Chief Minister’s Focal Person on Polio Uzma Kardar emphasized the importance of community engagement and volunteerism. She described women polio workers as the backbone of the program because of their commitment and extensive household outreach.
Punjab Health and Population Secretary Nadia Saqib highlighted government initiatives aimed at strengthening the health system to curb preventable diseases.
EOC Coordinator Adeel Tasawur, EOC Coordinator said preparations had been completed to ensure a high quality campaign especially in high risk and underserved areas.
Secretary General of Pakistan Pediatric Association, Dr. Kaleem Ather, highlighted that protection against polio is a fundamental right of every child. He stressed the importance of continued efforts through health facilities and digital platforms to raise awareness, urging parents to reject misconceptions and ensure vaccination.
Girl Guides Provincial Commissioner Sarwat Hamid highlighted the vital role of youth volunteers in effectively working with parents and caregivers to build trust and improve vaccine acceptance.
Meanwhile, the Gujrat District Polio Eradication Committee (DPEC) reviewed the arrangements for the upcoming polio vaccination campaign.
The District Health Authority’s managing director Dr. Syed Ataul Munim briefed the participants about the campaign.
He said the campaign would run from April 13 to 15, with April 16 designated as the catch-up day.
During the drive, children will receive polio drops along with vitamin A supplements.
According to sources, a total of 457,259 children across the district are targeted for vaccination. To achieve this, 5,169 personnel will be deployed, including 122 stationed and 39 transit teams, making a total of 4,616 field teams. The meeting was attended by officials from the district administration, the health department and the World Health Organization.
UHS results
Also on Thursday, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) announced the results of the third professional MBBS annual examinations with an overall pass percentage of 93.15. A total of 5,347 candidates from 44 affiliated medical colleges across Punjab appeared in the examination. According to the results, 4,979 students were declared successful while 366 failed.
Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore student Ayesha Asif secured first position with 942 marks. Noor Sultan of Aziz Fatima Medical College Faisalabad came second with 941 marks while Masooma of Bakhtawar Amin Medical College Multan took the third position with 933 marks. A spokesman stated that the results were declared within three days of the end of practical tests.
With additional input from APP
