Key points

  • Over 2.15 million children received polio drops across Lahore in five days, according to a Business Recorder report.
  • The vaccination drive successfully reached 1,499,695 households in the targeted areas.
  • Deputy Commissioner Captain Muhammad Ali Ijaz (retd) chaired a progress meeting to evaluate operational metrics and direct field monitoring.

Lahore's administration administered polio drops to 2,153,020 children across the provincial metropolis and reached 1,499,695 households during the initial five days of the immunisation campaign, according to a Business Recorder report. The figures were revealed during a Saturday evaluation meeting that assessed the operational progress of the ongoing anti-polio drive.

Key Details

According to Business Recorder, the operational review meeting was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain Muhammad Ali Ijaz (retd). Attendees included Additional Deputy Commissioner Municipal Services Abdullah Khan, CEO Health Dr Asif Arbab Khan, international observers, Deputy District Health Officers, and all Assistant Commissioners.

During the review, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised the district administration's commitment to achieving complete coverage for every eligible child up to five years of age. He highlighted the importance of reaching newborns and addressing reluctant parents through effective awareness initiatives. Assistant Commissioners received directives to maintain active field presence, monitor operations closely, and promptly resolve any emerging bottlenecks.

Context and Impact

Anti-polio campaigns form a critical public health priority in Pakistan, requiring sustained administrative backing and ground-level monitoring to reach vulnerable populations. The Business Recorder report noted that the district administration will continue providing necessary resources and administrative support to ensure the campaign achieves absolute success.

Summary and What Next

The five-day performance metrics indicate robust coverage in targeted urban areas, though field teams remain tasked with overcoming parental reluctance and securing newborn immunisations. Further updates on the campaign's final figures and ongoing outreach are expected as the administration continues its monitoring efforts.