KARACHI (Kashmir English): The Sindh government is going to launch polio immunization drive in 27 high-risk Union Councils (UCs) of Karachi from February 22 (tomorrow).
The campaign, being organised in collaboration with the Sindh government’s partners, will strengthen children’s immunity and curb the transmission of the poliovirus, according to the officials.
This first phase of the drive aims to target around 562,163 children under the age of five with Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) and administering Fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) to over 521,953 children aged four months to five years using painless jet injector technology.
Fight against polio virus
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest and most densely populated city, remains a crucial battleground in the fight against polio virus.
Frequent population movement in the city contribute to the persistent presence of poliovirus in environmental samples.
Despite repeated vaccination campaigns, transmission risk remains high, underlining the need for making targeted campaigns close immunity gaps and protect children from lifelong paralysis.
Jet injector technology for fIPV administration would be a painless, needle-free, stress-free experience for children.
In August 2024, an fIPV campaign was successfully conducted in the city.
Karachi remains one of the most critical areas for polio eradication due to continuous virus detection in environmental samples. The campaign is a crucial step in boosting children’s immunity and ensuring no child is left vulnerable.
The authorities have called on parents to cooperate with vaccinators and ensure their children receive both OPV and fIPV doses as every vaccination brings the nation closer to a polio-free future.
The role of the media is also vital in disseminating accurate information, raising awareness, and encouraging public participation in such campaigns.
The authorities have called on journalists, media houses, religious influencers and community leaders to amplify the message that polio eradication is a national cause.
