SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A high-level meeting was convened in Lower South Waziristan (SWL) district to discuss strategies for the upcoming polio campaign, scheduled to commence on February 3. The meeting, presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner South Waziristan Lower finance and planning (F&P) Kashmir Khan, brought together key stakeholders, including health officials, welfare associations, and journalists.
ADC Khan emphasized the importance of making the polio campaign effective, citing the neighboring areas of Tank District, Dera Ismail Khan, and parts of Balochistan province, which have reported 18 polio cases. He stressed the need for a faster and more effective awareness campaign to ensure the success of the polio campaign.
ADC Kashmir Khan said the strategy for the campaign includes involving people from different schools of thought to ensure that every child under the age of five receives the polio vaccine. Journalists have also been requested to utilize their social media platforms to spread awareness about the importance of the polio campaign and to inform the public about the upcoming vaccination drive.
The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to present their suggestions and ideas for making the polio campaign effective. The Additional Deputy Commissioner appreciated the feedback and emphasized the need for collective efforts to raise public awareness and ensure the success of the campaign.
According to recent data, Pakistan reported 63 polio cases in 2024, with the majority coming from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The country has been working to eradicate polio, with efforts including nationwide vaccination campaigns and targeted interventions in high-risk areas.
The meeting marked an important step towards a brighter and more secure future for the children of Lower South Waziristan district. With collective efforts and a robust strategy, the region aims to make significant progress in the fight against polio.
