Commissioner Calls For Comprehensive Preparations For Polio Booster Dose Campaign
Hyderabad Division Commissioner Fayaz Hussain Abbasi chairs meeting to review arrangements for upcoming campaign
HYDERABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 18th Aug, 2026) A crucial meeting of the Divisional Task Force on Polio was held at the Divisional Commissioner Secretariat Hyderabad under the chairmanship of Commissioner Hyderabad Division Fayaz Hussain Abbasi. The gathering focused on reviewing arrangements, security measures, and potential challenges for the upcoming Polio Booster Dose Campaign scheduled from August 20 to 31, 2026.
The meeting was attended by key figures such as:
- SSP Hyderabad Shahzaib Chachar
- Additional Deputy Commissioner-II Mehwish Buriro
- DHO Hyderabad Dr Pir Ghulam Hussain
- CDC Staff Officer Dr Lubna
- Police officials
- Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO)
- And other relevant officers, with Deputy Commissioners from various districts participating via video link.
Campaign Details and Goals
Commissioner Abbasi highlighted that the Polio Booster Dose Campaign aims to strengthen immunity against polio among children aged six months to 10 years. He explained that while routine anti-polio drops are given orally to children under five, the booster dose will be administered using a jet injector.
Preparedness and Coordination Emphasized
The Commissioner stressed the importance of full engagement and effective coordination from all stakeholders throughout the campaign. He advised addressing any challenges or obstacles through timely coordination and a positive, solution-oriented approach.
He also addressed potential refusals by parents or institutions, directing officials to take proactive measures through effective awareness and communication. Additionally, he assigned taluka-level focal persons in sensitive districts to enhance field monitoring and ensure timely reporting to the Divisional Secretariat.
Communication and Awareness Efforts
The Commissioner instructed the District Administration and Health Department Hyderabad to send formal letters to private schools addressing any concerns or misconceptions regarding the campaign. He emphasized the need for continuous awareness campaigns, training sessions, seminars, and community and media engagement to ensure maximum public participation and understanding.
WHO Updates and Campaign Implementation
Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) informed the meeting that the environmental surveillance situation in Hyderabad Division had shown significant improvement. They reported negative environmental samples for the past four months and only one polio case from district Sujawal. The number of positive environmental samples had also considerably decreased compared to the previous year.
The WHO representatives noted that 119 out of 501 union councils across the division had been identified for focused implementation of the booster dose campaign, with a prepared human resource of 2,359 members.
