The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, expressed strong displeasure over the detection of two more poliovirus cases this month and announced strict disciplinary action against negligent officials, along with an aggressive new eradication campaign for the final quarter of 2025.
English Summary
The Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, took immediate disciplinary action following the detection of two more poliovirus cases, bringing the total number of cases in Sindh to nine for the year (three in Badin, two in Thatta, and one each in Hyderabad, Larkana, Kambar, and Umerkot).
Disciplinary Actions:
- Suspended the District Health Officers (DHOs) of Badin (Dr. Anjum Ali Soomro) and Keamari (Dr. Wali Muhammad Rahimoon).
- Issued disciplinary notices to the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Badin and Thatta.
- Removed the Assistant Commissioners (ACs) of Matli and Mirpur Sakro for poor performance.
Key Challenges Highlighted:
- Widespread Virus: 81% of Sindh’s environmental samples test positive for the virus, with all 12 sites in Karachi consistently positive.
- Missed Children: Approximately 4,500 children refused vaccination during the September campaign.
- Mobile Populations: Recent cases in Badin and Umerkot are linked to hard-to-reach mobile and migrant populations.
Aggressive New Campaign (Final Quarter 2025):
- Two Large-Scale Campaigns: Planned for October and December.
- Special Campaigns: A focused Fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) campaign in Karachi and a combined Measles-Polio campaign in November.
- Immediate Response: Directives for immediate mop-up vaccinations (OPV + IPV boosters) in areas with recent cases.
- Tracking and Influencers: A major operation to track and vaccinate the 4,500 missed children, supported by community influencers and medical professionals to reduce refusals.
