Sibi commissioner chairs Polio and EPI task force meeting

SIBI: A meeting of the Divisional Task Force on Polio and EPI was held under the chairmanship of Sibi Division Commissioner Irfanullah Khan.

The meeting was attended by Sibi Deputy Commissioner Major (retd) Ilyas Kabzai, Kachhi Deputy Commissioner Mumtaz Ali Khetran, Divisional Director Health Dr Abdul Khaliq, DHO Dr Qadir Haroon, N-STOP Officer Dr Shahla, AIGP Sibi Range Muhammad Younus, and other officials of the Health Department, ISD and WHO. Officials of Dera Bugti district joined through video link.

Review of campaign preparations

In line with the vision of the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the directions of the provincial government, the meeting reviewed in detail preparations for the polio campaign starting on 2 November, effective monitoring, implementation of the micro-plan and EPI vaccination coverage.

Commissioner Irfanullah Khan directed that a zero-tolerance policy be adopted against polio. He said no negligence or lapse would be tolerated during the campaign. He said all departments concerned should work in coordination and under an effective strategy for the campaign’s success. Real-time data should be shared on time and the dashboard updated regularly.

He further directed that polio meetings be held every month in all districts of the division. He also directed that the campaign be implemented in every area according to the micro-plan.

The Provincial Coordinator EPI also gave a briefing on EPI vaccination through video link. He informed the meeting about overall vaccination coverage in Sibi Division.

Emphasis on vaccination coverage

Stressing the need to make vaccination more effective, Commissioner Irfanullah Khan directed that children’s vaccination coverage be improved. He said all vaccinators must ensure their attendance and fulfil their duties.

At the end, the Commissioner directed all deputy commissioners and officials of the Health Department, WHO, ISD and other departments concerned to perform their duties with full effort, dedication and an effective strategy during the coming polio campaign.

He said all departments concerned should work in coordination under a joint strategy to ensure the quality of the campaign. They should fully implement the micro-plan and ensure that the polio vaccine reaches every child. This would help achieve the 100 per cent target and make the campaign of high quality, effective and successful.

He expressed the resolve that all available resources be used for the complete eradication of polio. He said no negligence should be shown in this national duty.

Photo: Courtesy DGPR Balochistan