Indus Vitals

PPEI expert says intensified vaccination needed as virus risks persist IV Report KARACHI: The Sindh Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on Friday announced that it was set to launch a polio booster dose campaign in 89 high-risk union councils of Karachi from May 12 to 25, aiming to strengthen immunity among children and interrupt poliovirus transmission. Speaking at a media briefing at the Karachi Press Club, EOC Coordinator Sheheryar Memon said Karachi was moving closer to polio eradication, but misinformation and rumours continued to pose major challenges to the campaign. Children up to 10 years of age will receive the booster dose during the drive, which targets areas considered vulnerable to persistent virus circulation. Members of the Sindh Polio Eradication Programme, health experts, paediatricians and health reporters attended the briefing. To build public confidence, Mr Memon and several journalists received booster doses during the session. Mr Memon said vaccination ...

Experts warn of silent circulation; drive planned in 89 of 246 UCs IV Report Bottom of Form KARACHI: Leading medical bodies and child health experts have endorsed a targeted polio booster dose campaign in Karachi, as fresh environmental surveillance has confirmed continued circulation of the virus in the city, the Sindh Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) said on Wednesday. At a consultation held at the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology, the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA), Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), and senior pediatricians backed the campaign scheduled from May 12 to 25 in 89 union councils. Karachi has a total of 246 union councils, and experts urged that the effort be expanded citywide to ensure broader protection. Sindh EOC Coordinator Sheheryar Memon said five recent environmental samples collected from Karachi had tested positive for poliovirus — a worrying sign, particularly during what is typically considered a low transmission season. He w...