Polio oversight board delegation meets KP Chief Secretary, reviews immunization progress

PESHAWAR, Jul 10 (APP): A high-level delegation of the Polio Oversight Board on Friday met with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah in Peshawar and reviewed measures for polio eradication and strengthening of the routine immunization system in the province.

The delegation comprised Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Chief Executive Officer Dr. Sania Nishtar, Dr. Chris Elias, and other senior officials.

During the meeting, it was highlighted that the immediate priority of the provincial government was to completely eliminate the transmission and spread of poliovirus, while the long-term goal was to establish a robust immunization system capable of effectively reaching every child across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The provincial government, through its Immunization Roadmap, has set a target of increasing full immunization coverage to 85 percent by March 2027.

Officials informed the delegation that significant progress had been made in routine immunization coverage, which increased from 55 percent in 2022 to 71 percent in 2026. The functionality of immunization centres has reached 92 percent, while vaccination services are now accessible to 86 percent of the province’s population.

The meeting was also informed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had successfully transitioned to the National Electronic Immunization Registry, enabling real-time maintenance of children’s vaccination records and identification of missed and zero-dose children.

Preparations for the cervical cancer vaccination programme have also been completed, with its launch scheduled for November 2026.

The provincial government reiterated its commitment to achieving complete eradication of polio and further strengthening the routine immunization system, while appreciating the support of development partners in achieving this national objective.