Sindh advances in Polio fight; over 10 mln children to be vaccinated in next drive

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Apr, 2026) The Government of Sindh has reported significant progress in polio eradication efforts, with 76 percent of environmental surveillance sites testing negative for poliovirus, marking the greatest improvement in the past three years.

The update was shared during a meeting of the Provincial Task Force on Polio Eradication, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the CM House. The meeting was attended by provincial ministers, senior administrative officials, representatives of international partners, and district authorities via video link.

The Chief Minister directed the Health Department to launch a province-wide National Immunisation Campaign from 13 to 19 April, aimed at vaccinating approximately 10.5 million children under five years of age across 30 districts and 1,708 union councils.

He noted that environmental surveillance results indicated substantial improvement, with 22 of 29 sites now testing negative compared to all sites being positive in March of the previous year. He described the progress as a reflection of strengthened field operations, improved supervision, and enhanced reporting systems, while emphasising the need to sustain momentum through continued efforts.

Incharge EOC told the meeting that Karachi Division has shown marked improvement, with 10 of 12 surveillance sites now negative. Other divisions have also demonstrated sustained progress, with Sukkur Division reporting a full negative status. Several districts, including Ghotki, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Hyderabad, Dadu, Sujawal, Jamshoro, and Shaheed Benazirabad, have maintained consecutive months of negative results.

The Chief Minister was further briefed that Sindh has reported one polio case in 2026, compared to nine cases in 2025. He directed authorities to strengthen surveillance and response mechanisms in high-risk areas.

For the upcoming campaign, a comprehensive operational plan has been finalised. A total of 73,824 frontline workers, supported by 8,354 area in-charges and 1,713 Union Council Medical Officers, would implement vaccination activities across the province.

Karachi would host the largest deployment, followed by Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Mirpurkhas divisions. In addition, 22,290 police personnel have been mobilized to ensure security, with over 24,000 personnel committed in support of field operations. A total of 2,349 female police personnel would assist in sensitive and hard-to-reach areas to facilitate household-level access.

The Chief Minister emphasised that adequate human resources and security arrangements were essential to achieving universal coverage. He urged all departments to ensure close coordination for effective implementation.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing reforms in the polio programme, including enhanced training, strengthened supervision mechanisms, and improved data quality audits. Special response teams have been deployed in selected districts to address remaining gaps.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Chief Minister stated that Sindh remained determined to eliminate polio. He stressed that sustained vigilance, accountability, and coordinated action are critical to achieving complete eradication of the disease.