February 23, 2014
KARACHI: Sindh government, inspired by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s ‘Sehat Ka Insaf’ immunisation campaign in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, has decided to replicate the anti-polio campaign in Karachi.
Due to attacks on polio teams in the city, the provincial government has decided to launch a one-day anti-polio campaign in 24 union councils (UCs) which are being considered ‘high risk’ area, The Express Tribune learnt.
The campaign in Karachi is a replica of the ‘Sehat ka Insaf’ which proved gainful for the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government. Despite the fact that the campaign launched by the PTI was a success model, the provincial government avoids to appreciate the drive. PTI’s success was due to the support it enjoys across Peshawar city.
In contrast, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led provincial government only enjoys small pockets of support in Karachi. Though the campaign was scheduled to started from February 24 but it has been brought forward by a day to start on February 23 (Sunday) due to availability of security personnel. Moreover, it is hoped children will easily be approachable. The polio campaign has been divided into four categories – C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4. The C-1 plan will be launched in 24 UCs only for one single day.
Children residing in these UCs will be administered polio drops again on March 2 at the start of National Immunisation Day (NID) drive. According to the plan, during the C-2 drive 25 more UCs will be targeted, including low risk areas such as Gadap, Baldia, Orangi, SITE, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Landhi, Korangi and Bin Qasim town localities.
The total target for C-1 is 494,774 children where 3,090 polio teams will participate. The drive is aiming to immunise 2.215 million children, and 5,740 teams are expected to partake in the drive. Sources in the health department said that the plan has been finalised and law enforcement agencies had extended complete support to polio workers.
Despite repeated attempts, the top health officials could not be reached for the comments. While a pillion riding ban is in effect in the city, sources added that there will be a ban on motorcycle riding altogether in high risk areas. Sindh Health Secretary Iqbal Durrani said the police and the Rangers would be deployed in all areas where polio volunteers will work.
“The movement of motorcyclists would be restricted,” Durrani added. He said all arrangements for the campaign have been taken.
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