August 10, 2008	Sunday	Sha’aban 7, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 9: In view of the growing number of polio virus cases in Sindh, a high-level meeting convened on the directive of the federal health minister has resolved that an ex-officio commissioner for polio eradication be designated in Sindh at the earliest.

Sources privy to the meeting said it was resolved that the Sindh government would designate the provincial director-general of health as ex-officio commissioner for polio eradication for a period of one year. In addition to his original assignments, the director-general would be responsible for ensuring follow-ups of various decisions taken at higher forums and coordination among health department, expanded programme on immunisation, education department and district governments. A deputy polio commissioner would also be designated, the sources said. Besides, they said, the chief secretary was requested to ensure reactivation of the provincial steering committee on polio activities by involving all the district coordination officers and to hold its meeting before the polio vaccination campaign planned to kick off on Aug 19.

Sindh Health Minister Dr Sagheer Ahmad, National Reconstruction Bureau Chairman Dr Asim Hussain, Federal Director-General Health Prof Rashid A. Jooma, senior representatives of the World Health Organisation, EDO Health Dr A.D. Sanjnani and Sindh Manager for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation Dr Mazhar Khamesani attended the meeting held on Friday at the Governor’s House.

The health minister, meanwhile, informed a delegation of the WHO called at his office that a notification regarding the composition of the provincial steering committee and district task force on polio was issued on Saturday morning.