Karachi to Launch Special Anti-Polio Campaign in High-Risk Areas.

Karachi: Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi presided over a meeting held at Emergency Operation Centre reviewed the arrangements for the eradicatiocn of polio virus in the city . It was decided in the meeting that a special anti polio campaign will be launched in Karachi’s high-risk areas. The meeting was attended among others by the Coordinator EOC Arshad Sodhar, Health Department officials,and representatives of World Health Organization, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Rotary International senior officers of Pakistan Rangers and other relevant departmentsThe meeting decided to start a special anti polio campaign in high-risk areas from August 15, targeting over 1 million children to administer polio drops. It was also decided to administer polio vaccine shots during the campaign. The meeting resolved to ensure that every child in the affected areas is covered, and a comprehensive plan is being made to reach children and persuade parents to participate. Special vaccination teams are being formed to go door-to-door and persuade parents. Children between 4 months to 5 years of age will also be given the f-IPV vaccine during the campaign.The meeting was informed that poliovirus has been detected in environmental samples in seven districts of Karachi.