PESHAWAR: Officials have finalized arrangements to launch anti-polio drive in two districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from tomorrow (Jan 2, Monday).
According to details gathered by MM News, authorities in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts have finalized arrangements for the upcoming anti-polio drive. In Lakki Marwat, Deputy Commissioner Fazal Akbar inaugurated the five-day campaign against the deadly disease while Bannu deputy commissioner Aun Haidar Gondal has banned display of weapons as part of measures to provide foolproof security to vaccinators.
“In wake of previous attacks on polio teams and recent threats received in connection with the anti-polio campaign, it is imperative to ban display of weapons, pillion riding and use of tinted glasses in vehicles and unlawful assembly of five or more people”, said an office order.
Meanwhile, chairing a meeting of the divisional task force at his office, Bannu Division Commissioner Matiullah Khan has asked the relevant authorities to identify deficiencies and slackness on part of government employees during anti-polio drive with their concerned departments so as to initiate action against them. The administration and health officials presented a briefing on arrangements for the forthcoming polio eradication campaign scheduled to be held from Jan 2 to Jan 6.
Lakki Marwat Deputy Commissioner Fazal Akbar, affter vaccinating several children under the age of five years at his office in the District Headquarters Complex Tajazai, said that his administration was committed to eliminate the crippling disease and save children from its hazardous effects.
He said the goal to make Lakki Marwat polio-free would be achieved with the support of partner organisations and other stakeholders.Additional AC Awais Khan, DHO Dr Abdulgul, Deputy DHO Dr Kifayat Betanni, Dr Isghfaq and other officials were present.
On the occasion, the district health officer said that the health department had constituted 997 teams to vaccinate 193252 children below the age of five years in 40 union councils of the district.
He said that 54 UPEC chairmen and 254 area supervisors would be deployed for effective monitoring of the polio eradication campaign. He said there were 899 mobile, 53 fixe, 37 transit and 11 roaming vaccination.
The deputy commissioner reiterated that police would provide foolproof security to the health workers during the five-day campaign.
