KARACHI: Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to eradicating polio and strengthening routine immunisation, stressing sustained vaccination coverage and focused outreach to mobile and migrant populations.
He expressed these views during a meeting with a six-member Gates Foundation delegation led by Greg Widmyer, Director of Immunization. The meeting reviewed ongoing efforts to interrupt poliovirus transmission, improve vaccination coverage and ensure that children among mobile and migrant communities are reached.
Particular attention was given to vaccination at transit points to ensure children travelling between different areas receive protection against polio.
The Chief Secretary said polio eradication remained a foremost priority of the Sindh government. He said Chief Minister Sindh, the provincial Health Minister and he himself were closely involved in overseeing polio campaigns and regularly reviewing progress.
Asif Hyder Shah emphasised continuity in field operations and said transfers of officials involved in polio campaigns were discouraged during campaigns to maintain effective implementation and accountability.
Appreciating the Gates Foundation’s support, he said its assistance had contributed to Sindh’s efforts against polio. He stressed the importance of sustained cooperation to reach every eligible child while strengthening routine immunisation alongside polio vaccination campaigns.
Briefing the delegation on measures to improve routine immunisation, the Chief Secretary said the provincial government had hired vaccinators to expand vaccination coverage. He emphasised reaching children who had missed vaccinations, particularly those belonging to mobile and migrant families.
He also informed the delegation about the provincial government’s birth registration initiative aimed at achieving 100 per cent birth registration. He said the initiative would help identify children and support the planning and delivery of essential services, including immunisation.
The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Coordinator briefed participants on polio surveillance and reported that 28 of 29 environmental samples in Karachi had tested negative for poliovirus. The Coordinator described the findings as an encouraging indication of the quality of vaccination campaigns and routine immunisation efforts.
The Gates Foundation delegation assured the Sindh government of its continued support for polio eradication and strengthening routine immunisation.
The meeting emphasised sustained coordination, focused outreach to mobile populations and consistent vaccination coverage to advance the shared goal of a polio-free Sindh.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah visited various offices in Block 4B of the Sindh Secretariat, where he checked officers’ attendance and reviewed cleanliness and maintenance.
He expressed dissatisfaction over the standard of cleanliness and upkeep in some offices and directed officials to ensure that offices were kept clean and properly maintained. He also instructed officers to strictly observe official timings and ensure regular attendance.
