SWAT : District Health Officer (DHO) Swat, Dr. Muhammad Saleem, 59 positive polio cases reported nationwide and 16 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year (2024) and
emphasized the crucial role of parents in eradicating polio during a press conference at Swat Press Club in Swat district.
He said that a 5-day anti-polio campaign is set to commence on December 16, with all necessary preparations in place. Dr. Saleem urged parents to ensure their children receive the protective drops, emphasizing that no child should be deprived of this essential protection.
“In addition to the anti-polio campaign, a new initiative dubbed the “Big Ketchup” campaign will launch on December 23, running for 12 days. This campaign aims to safeguard children under the age of 5 from 12 diseases, he said.
UNICEF representatives Allah Rakhi and Dr. Liaqat Ali reiterated the importance of parental cooperation in ensuring the success of these campaigns.
Dr. Saleem revealed that poliovirus had been detected in the drainage systems of GulKada, Saidu Sharif, Rang Mohalla, and Malook abad. Consequently, preventive measures have been initiated to mitigate the risk of polio transmission.
He said that as the anti-polio campaign and “Big Ketchup” initiative approach, parents, healthcare workers, and community members must work together to ensure the success of these critical public health endeavors. By doing so, we can protect our children from the devastating consequences of polio and other preventable diseases.
