KARACHI: Sindh Caretaker Health Minister Dr. Saad Khalid Niaz has said that a week-long anti-polio campaign would be initiated this month across the province to vaccinate approximately 10.6 million children under the age of 5.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Dr. Saad Khalid Niaz emphasized that alongside administering polio drops, Vitamin A doses would also be provided to children aged 6 months to 5 years to enhance their immunity.
The minister disclosed that the provincial government has mobilized about 70,000 teams to achieve a 100 percent immunization target against polio in the province. He added that the anti-polio campaign would run until March 3, 2024.
Polio Drops a Must for Children
To ensure the safety of the deployed polio teams, approximately 3,700 security personnel will be on duty. Dr. Niaz stressed that vaccination is the sole preventive measure against the incurable disease, highlighting the importance of stopping the virus from spreading for the well-being of children.
He urged parents and teachers to fully cooperate with the polio teams and assist the government in eradicating the dangerous virus.
The statement also provided a helpline number, 1166, and a WhatsApp contact, 03467776546, for immediate assistance if any child misses the vaccination drive.
