Over 306,000 children to be vaccinated against polio from Apr 13 to 16

LOWER DIR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Apr, 2026) The district administration here on Thursday finalized comprehensive arrangements for the anti-polio campaign scheduled from April 13 to April 16, during which 306,954 children would be administered polio drops through 1,434 teams formed across the district.

A preparatory meeting held under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner Wajid Ali Khan, reviewed field plans, administrative measures and overall readiness for the campaign. The meeting was attended by all relevant stakeholders, while Assistant Commissioners of Adenzai, Samar Bagh, and Lal Qila joined via Zoom in line with the government’s energy conservation policy.

Officials from the Health Department, including the District Health Officer, N-Stop Officer, and Dr. Shahsawar Yousafzai from WHO, briefed participants on final preparations, micro-planning, deployment of security personnel, team assignments, and coverage mechanisms. Performance of the previous campaign and LQS indicators were also reviewed to identify areas for improvement.

The four-day campaign will involve trained polio teams visiting homes, schools, madrassas, and other locations to administer polio drops to children under the age of five.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner issued key directives to ensure effective implementation. Special plans were ordered for union councils with large geographical areas, while the ICM plan will be revised. The Health Department was assigned special tasks for areas including Shalpalam, Khaal, Darangal, and Miskini. Administrative officers and tehsildars will conduct field visits and monitor the campaign, while special attention will be given to transit teams, with police instructed to ensure full cooperation at check posts.

All stakeholders have been directed to attend morning assemblies and divisional-level evening meetings during the campaign.

Emphasis was placed on effective coordination among stakeholders, timely deployment of field teams, provision of security cover, and awareness campaigns for parents, along with strict implementation of micro-plans. Poorly performing staff will be penalized and replaced with competent and dedicated workers, the meeting warned.