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KARACHI, Dec 09 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah presides over a meeting of the Provincial Task Force on Polio Eradication at the CM House, reviewing progress and directing further measures to strengthen the anti-polio campaign.
The meeting, held at CM House, included Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, Additional IG Javed Alam Odho, Secretary to CM Abdul Raheem Shaikh, Health Secretary Rehan Baloch, DG Health Dr Waqar Memon, representatives from UNICEF, WHO, Rotary International, EOC Coordinator Sheharyar Gul, and all Karachi deputy commissioners. Commissioners, DCs, DIGs, and SSPs from other divisions joined via video link.
Environmental surveillance is a major concern. According to EOC data, 10 of 12 sites in Karachi and 11 of 17 sites in other divisions tested positive for poliovirus in November.
Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal and EOC Coordinator Shaharyar Memon briefed the Chief Minister on the latest national and provincial updates.
Discussions covered epidemiological updates, environmental surveillance, district performance, front-line worker preparedness, and operational planning for the National Immunisation Days (NIDs), scheduled for 15–21 December 2025.
Senior officials from the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC), Sindh Health Department, PPHI, district administrations, and law enforcement agencies attended.
Nine Polio Cases in 2025; virus widespread in sewage.The Chief Minister was informed that Sindh recorded nine polio cases in 2025, three in Badin, two in Thatta, and one each in Hyderabad, Kamber, Larkana, and Umerkot. The most recent Karachi case was reported in December 2024 from Gujro, District East.
Environmental surveillance is a major concern. According to EOC data, 10 of 12 sites in Karachi and 11 of 17 sites in other divisions tested positive for poliovirus in November. Over 75 per cent of samples have tested positive since mid-2023, an unprecedented rate in the past decade.
Calling the findings `deeply worrying,’ Murad Shah stated, “This widespread presence of the virus is unacceptable. Only a high-quality, disciplined campaign can break this transmission.”
Reviewing district-wise performance, Shah expressed dissatisfaction where Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) results remained intermediate. The October NIDs showed that 87 per cent of lots passed, but 27 of 206 lots (13pc) did not meet standards.
The Chief Minister issued clear instructions, “Deputy Commissioners must ensure 100 per cent focus on field activities. No administrative pull-outs will be tolerated during the campaign.”
“Morning assemblies must be strong, frontline workers motivated, and every child reached during campaign days, not in extended catch-ups.” He told DHOs to enforce zero-tolerance for data manipulation and absenteeism, and ordered UC Support Teams to resolve on-ground challenges immediately.
December NIDs to cover 10.6 Million Children in Sindh
The meeting learned that 10.6 million children under five will be vaccinated across 1,345 UCs in 30 districts. More than 80,000 frontline workers will participate, with over 21,000 law enforcement personnel including around 400 female constables supporting security and access.
Shah stressed, “police must ensure timely deployment at morning assemblies. Lady constables must support access in high-refusal areas.”
The chief minister commended district innovations. District Central Karachi arranged transport and lunch for 4,000 polio workers with help from NGOs and town administrations. In Sukkur, 100 per cent assessment of 300 AICs, removal of 13 low-performing AICs, enhanced monitoring, and improved coverage in high-risk UCs were reported.
“These districts have shown initiative. Others must replicate such models for quality improvement,” said Mr Shah.
The chief minister was told that 85 per cent of zero-dose children have now been vaccinated, but about 12,000 still remain. Chief Minister Murad Shah instructed, “All refusal children must be vaccinated during the campaign. Local bodies and administration should personally follow up.” Emphasis was placed on stronger community engagement, interpersonal communication, involvement of local influencers, and coordinated mass media messaging.
Reiterating his government’s commitment, Murad Shah stated, “Sindh has the strongest polio infrastructure in the country. What we need now is discipline, accountability, and a sense of community trust. No child in Sindh should remain unvaccinated.” He also called for easier data collection, supportive supervision, and public recognition of frontline workers.
The meeting concluded with directives for daily dashboards, real-time reporting, and strict monitoring at provincial and district levels.