KARACHI: A special polio booster campaign was launched across 89 high-risk union councils of the metropolis on Tuesday, aiming to immunise approximately 1.8 million children against the crippling disease.
The drive, which is scheduled to run from May 12 to May 24, marks a significant escalation in the provincial government’s efforts to curb the virus’s transmission. Unlike traditional campaigns, this initiative targets an expanded age bracket, providing booster doses to children up to 10 years of age.
A key feature of the current campaign is the deployment of modern jet injector technology. According to the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Sindh, these needle-free devices use high pressure to deliver the vaccine directly under the skin.
Health officials noted that the technology is intended to:
– Reduce vaccine hesitancy: By eliminating the “fear of the needle,” officials hope to see higher compliance among parents and children.
– Increase efficiency: The method is considered faster and more convenient for mass administration in densely populated areas.
– Enhance safety: Needle-free delivery removes the risk of needle-stick injuries and cross-contamination.
The EOC Sindh has mobilised a massive field force to ensure the campaign’s success. “A total of 2,947 polio teams are participating in the drive across the city’s high-risk zones,” an EOC spokesperson stated.
These teams include mobile units, fixed centres at hospitals, and transit points. The focus on 89 specific union councils follows recent environmental samples that indicated the persistent presence of the poliovirus in Karachi’s sewage system, necessitating a more robust immunity wall among children.
“Additional booster doses are being administered to ensure complete protection. Even children who have previously received oral drops are encouraged to get this booster to reinforce their immune response,” the EOC added.
The provincial administration has urged parents to cooperate with the visiting teams. Health experts emphasized that while Pakistan has made strides in polio eradication, the high mobility of the population in Karachi makes it a critical battleground.
Security personnel have also been deployed to escort vaccination teams in sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure the smooth transition of the 13-day exercise.
