LAHORE:
More than 200,000 frontline polio workers and supervisors will take part in a vaccination drive targeting more than 23.3 million children under five years of age across Punjab starting April 13.
Addressing a ceremony on Thursday where the Punjab Emergency Operations Center inaugurated the upcoming National Immunization Days (NID), Provincial Health and Population Minister Imran Nazeer said sustained efforts and effective strategies had brought Pakistan closer than ever to the final phase of polio eradication.
He urged parents to ensure that their children receive anti-polio drops during every campaign.
In Lahore, identified as a high-risk reservoir district, the drive will continue for seven days, while in the remaining districts it will be carried out for four days.
The Chief Minister’s focal person on polio, Uzma Kardar, underlined the importance of community participation and volunteerism. He described the polio workers as the backbone of the program because of their dedication and wide reach into homes.
Punjab Health and Population Secretary Nadia Saqib highlighted government initiatives aimed at strengthening the health system to curb preventable diseases.
COE coordinator Adeel Tasawur said preparations had been completed to ensure a high-quality campaign, particularly in high-risk and underserved areas.
Dr Kaleem Ather, General Secretary of Pakistan Pediatric Association, stressed that protection against polio is a fundamental right of every child. He highlighted the importance of continuing efforts through healthcare facilities and digital platforms to raise awareness, and urged parents to reject misconceptions and ensure vaccination.
Girl Guides Provincial Commissioner Sarwat Hamid highlighted the vital role of young volunteers in effectively engaging with parents and caregivers to build trust and improve vaccine uptake.
Meanwhile, the Gujrat District Polio Eradication Committee (DPEC) reviewed the arrangements for the upcoming polio vaccination drive.
Dr Syed Ataul Munim, Chief Executive Officer, District Health Authority, briefed the participants about the campaign.
He said the campaign would run from April 13 to 15, with April 16 designated as a catch-up day.
During the campaign, children will receive anti-polio drops along with vitamin A supplements.
According to sources, a total of 457,259 children across the district will be vaccinated. To achieve this, 5,169 personnel will be deployed, including 122 stationed teams and 39 transit teams, forming a total of 4,616 field teams. The meeting was attended by officials from the district administration, health department and the World Health Organization.
UHS results
Also on Thursday, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) announced the results of the third annual MBBS Professional exams, with an overall pass percentage of 93.15. A total of 5,347 candidates from 44 affiliated medical colleges across Punjab participated in the exam. According to the results, 4,979 students were declared successful, while 366 failed.
Ayesha Asif, a student of Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore, secured the first position with 942 marks. Noor Sultan from Aziz Fatima Medical College Faisalabad took second place with 941 points while Masooma from Bakhtawar Amin Medical College Multan took third position with 933 points. A spokesperson said the results were reported within three days of the conclusion of the practical exams.
With additional information from the APP
