Authorities in Naushahro Feroze district finalized arrangements to vaccinate 342,312 children under five years of age during the upcoming national polio eradication campaign starting April 21.

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Arslan Selmas, where district and health officials reviewed logistical and operational measures for the week-long drive. The meeting aimed to ensure full coverage across the district, including outreach to children accompanying seasonal wheat harvesters from other regions.

District Health Officer Dr. Ghulam Qadir Kalhoro and EPI Focal Person Dr. Vijay Kumar briefed the meeting that 1,025 vaccination teams will be deployed. These include 893 mobile teams, 73 fixed teams, 41 transit teams, and 18 special mobile teams (SMTs), tasked with reaching both urban and rural populations.

Selmas stressed the importance of starting field operations early in the day to counter the challenges of extreme heat. He directed health officials to ensure the provision of cold water and ORS to frontline workers and emphasized the need to preserve the vaccine cold chain throughout the campaign.

He also instructed that all team members be provided with uniforms and official identification to enhance coordination and visibility in the field. ‘No lapse in reporting will be accepted, and complete records of vaccines and logistics must be maintained,’ he stated.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner I Saddam Hussain Memon, PEO Dr. Ghulam Ali Solangi, Dr. Abdul Sattar, Dr. Vijay Kumar, and tehsil-level supervisors.

The campaign forms part of the nationwide effort to eliminate polio, with a focus on increasing outreach and strengthening accountability mechanisms. Officials indicated that field monitoring would be intensified and follow-up visits conducted to ensure no child is missed.

The district administration reiterated its commitment to supporting the campaign through coordinated efforts with the health department and local stakeholders.