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HYDERABAD, Jan 01 (APP):An important meeting to review the monthly performance of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and the performance of teams during the recent National Anti-Polio Campaign was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shaheed Benazirabad, Abdul Samad Nizamani, at the Darbar Hall, Deputy Commissioner’s Office.
During the meeting, District Health Officer Dr Mudassar Hussain, Polio Focal Person Dr Allah Bux Rajpar, and EPI Focal Person Dr Aftab Ahmed briefed the participants on the district’s monthly performance of the immunization program. The briefing covered child vaccination coverage, identification of zero-dose children, cold chain management, availability of vaccines, and the performance of field teams.
They informed the meeting that 100 percent of the assigned targets were achieved during the last National Anti-Polio Campaign, and that environmental samples collected from Shaheed Benazirabad tested negative, which is a highly encouraging development.
Appreciating this achievement, the DC lauded the Health Department and all concerned departments for their dedicated efforts and emphasized that the same spirit must be maintained to keep Shaheed Benazirabad a polio-free district, in order to safeguard future generations from this crippling disease. He further stated that the eradication of polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases remains a top priority of the district administration.
The DC directed that field supervision be made more effective, micro-plans in high-risk union councils be reviewed and updated, the number of mobile vaccination teams be increased, and greater emphasis be placed on community mobilization. He categorically stated that any negligence in cold chain management would be unacceptable.
It was also decided in the meeting that, before upcoming campaigns, awareness activities would be intensified through religious scholars, teachers, local notables, and the media to educate parents about the importance of immunization.
The DC instructed all concerned officers to strengthen coordination among departments and ensure the regular submission of performance reports. He also directed that greater attention be paid to EPI monitoring activities.
The meeting was attended by District Manager PPHI Shaheed Benazirabad Zakir Hussain Samoon, District Population Officer Riaz Ahmed Shar, along with officers from the Health Department and other relevant departments.