LAHORE:
Over 200,000 frontline polio workers and supervisors will take part in a vaccination drive targeting over 23.3 million children under five years across Punjab starting April 13.
Addressing a ceremony where the Punjab Emergency Operations Center inaugurated the upcoming National Immunization Days (NIDs) on Thursday, Provincial Minister for Health and Population Imran Nazeer said sustained efforts and effective strategies had brought Pakistan closer than ever to the final phase of polio eradication.
He urged parents to ensure that their children receive polio drops during every campaign.
In Lahore, identified as a high-risk reservoir district, the campaign will continue for seven days, while in other districts it will be conducted for four days.
Chief Minister’s Polio Focal Person Uzma Kardar highlighted the importance of community engagement and volunteerism. She described female polio workers as the backbone of the program because of their dedication and extensive household outreach.
Punjab Health and Population Secretary Nadia Saqib highlighted government initiatives to strengthen the healthcare system to combat preventable diseases.
EOC Coordinator Adeel Tasawur said preparations had been completed to ensure a high-quality campaign, especially in high-risk and underserved areas.
Pakistan Pediatric Association General Secretary Dr Kaleem Ather emphasized that protection against polio is a fundamental right of every child. He stressed the importance of continued awareness-raising efforts in health institutions and digital platforms, and urged parents to reject misconceptions and ensure vaccination.
Girl Guides Provincial Commissioner Sarwat Hamid highlighted the vital role of youth volunteers in working effectively with parents and guardians to build trust and improve vaccine acceptance.
Meanwhile, the Gujrat District Polio Eradication Committee (DPEC) reviewed the arrangements made for the upcoming polio vaccination drive.
Dr Syed Ataul Munim, Director General of the District Health Authority, briefed the participants about the campaign.
He said the campaign would run from April 13 to 15, with April 16 designated as a catch-up day.
During the journey, children will receive polio drops and vitamin A supplements.
According to sources, a total of 457,259 children across the district are targeted for vaccination. To achieve this, 5,169 personnel will be deployed, including 122 stationed teams and 39 transit teams, forming a total of 4,616 field teams. The meeting was attended by officials from the district administration, health department and World Health Organization.
UHS results
Also on Thursday, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) announced the results of the third annual professional MBBS examinations, with an overall pass percentage of 93.15. A total of 5,347 candidates from 44 affiliated medical colleges of Punjab appeared for the exam. According to the results, 4,979 students were declared passed, while 366 failed.
Ayesha Asif, a student of Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, secured the first position with 942 marks. Noor Sultan of Aziz Fatima Medical College Faisalabad ranked second with 941 points, while Masooma of Bakhtawar Amin Medical College Multan bagged the third position with 933 points. A spokesperson said results were announced within three days of the practical exams finishing.
With an additional contribution from the APP
