DLP Report
PESHAWAR
A high-level review meeting regarding the ongoing anti-polio campaign in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah.
The meeting was attended by the Coordinator of the Provincial Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Special Secretary Health, representatives from the National EOC, Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, District Police Officers, and District Health Officers. Participants other than Peshawar joined the meeting via video link.
During the meeting, a detailed briefing was given on the current status of the anti-polio campaign, including the measures undertaken, progress made, and challenges encountered. The forum also reviewed the mechanism of monitoring field activities and discussed strategies for further strengthening the campaign.
The Chief Secretary directed all Deputy Commissioners to regularly assess the challenges in their respective districts and ensure timely interventions to overcome them. He emphasized that effective planning and coordinated efforts are essential to achieve the complete eradication of the poliovirus.
The meeting was informed about the performance of the campaign during its first two days. Key indicators such as target coverage, team performance, and operational reach were presented, along with a comparative analysis of the current campaign’s initial two days versus the previous campaign.
The Chief Secretary highlighted that the performance of Deputy Commissioners and District Health Officers is being directly linked to the achievement of polio campaign targets to ensure improved outcomes. He further stated that he will personally monitor the progress of the campaign on a daily basis.
He instructed that Deputy Commissioners must continue to hold regular review meetings at the district level and devise localized strategies to address emerging challenges effectively. Commending the efforts of those districts that have shown commendable performance despite operational challenges, the Chief Secretary urged all districts to maintain momentum and ensure the success of the campaign. He reiterated that collective efforts in collaboration with the public are vital to protect children from this debilitating disease.
It was shared that during the April round of the campaign, the provincial government aims to administer oral polio vaccine drops to 6.5 million children across all districts of the province.
The meeting was further informed that in order to build trust and enhance the campaign’s reach, the support of local elders, community leaders, and influential figures is being actively utilized in various districts.
Additionally, the forum was apprised that the final two days of the campaign will focus on covering all missed children, and strict monitoring protocols will be in place to ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
