KARACHI: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that detection of fifteen polio cases in country is moment of reflection for all of us.

Among these, two cases are related to Sindh and one case is related to Karachi’s Keamari district. Presence of polio virus around us can only be countered with polio vaccines. To protect our future generations, polio drops must be administered to shield them from this dangerous disease. With cooperation of WHO, new technology is now being used to inject Inactivated Polio Vaccine along with polio drops, which enhances effectiveness of these drops. Administering polio drops to children at NJV School as part of polio campaign, he mentioned that government has taken measures to combat polio and requested parents to have their children vaccinated against polio and support government in protecting future generations from this disease. 

He emphasised that government is serious about preventing polio and acknowledged past lapses where negligence and misinformation created negative perceptions about polio vaccine, hindering our efforts to eradicate disease.  He highlighted that in many countries, there are penalties for parents who do not vaccinate their children and urged everyone to play their part in protecting children from lifelong disability. He noted that phase one, Karachi achieved target of vaccinating 80 percent of children with polio drops and current campaign aims to vaccinate 1 million children. He stressed importance of spreading message through media that this vaccination is government-provided facility to prevent future disabilities in children.

In response to question, he mentioned that fifteen chlorine centers are being established in city, which will be completed by December. He pointed out that polio can affect both boys and girls and often seemingly healthy child can suffer from polio due to parental negligence.  He called on Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Syed Mustafa Kamal and representatives from all political parties to support government in realising dream of polio-free Pakistan to help make Karachi, Sindh and Pakistan polio-free. He mentioned that 1,250 megawatts of electricity is being generated from Thar, Jhimpir and 3,250 megawatts from cheap coal, which is directly sent to national grid.

He emphasised importance of continuing efforts to produce affordable electricity, highlighting Sindh’s significant role in this endeavour and its contribution to illuminating Pakistan. Deputy Commissioner South Altaf Sario, Polio Campaign In-charge Irshad Sudhar, Rotary Club’s Aziz Memon and relevant officials and teachers were present.