KARACHI, June 30: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has stressed on effective and result-oriented steps for eradication of polio from the province by the end of this year.

The governor was addressing the officials of renowned national and international institutions, as well as those working under health department at Governor House on Wednesday.

He stressed the participation of parents, community, councillors and local governments in the campaign, besides, organized progress at every level to achieve the goal.

Dr Ibad said that he was personally monitoring the anti-polio drive and directed that all available resources be utilized for elimination of polio. Since it was a national obligation, he said, everyone should pay attention towards this cause beyond all kinds of discrimination.

In addition to government efforts in this respect, he said, political leaders and non-governmental organizations should also play their due role. The governor said that visible success could be achieved in anti-polio campaign if each councillor made efforts in his constituency.

He told participants of the meeting that he would personally contact every nazim to finalize the plan and make the campaign effective and result oriented. United Nation's Advocacy Coordinator, Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch; World Health Organization Country Representative, Dr Najeebullah Mujadidi; Dr Azmoode, Dr Asif Farkhi from the Unicef, Additional Secretary Health, Mohammad Iqbal Awan; and other officials attended the meeting.

Earlier, Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch gave briefing about the details of the ongoing anti-polio campaign and sought special attention on Jacobabad district in this regard.

The governor praised the WHO's cooperation and assured that vigorous attention would be paid to double the efforts for eradication of polio from Sindh. He also exchanged views on various measures, which were under way in health sector in the province. He said that steps were also taken for safe blood transfusion and consolidation of blood banks system.- PPI