KARACHI, Jan 25: Sindh health minister Ahsan Ahmad has underscored the need for imparting more training to volunteers and health workers taking part in the ongoing anti-polio drive in the province.

“They should be trained regarding proper mapping, chalking, maintaining record of vaccines, clear perception of vaccines and the measures about its preservation besides other aspects.”

He expressed these views during a visit to different areas of the city, including Baldia Town, Orangi Town, North Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, New Karachi and Saddar towns on Thursday to review the pace of the campaign.

The minister said in view of the significance of the drive and to ensure its extension to all parts of the province, the health department had decided to extend the programme till Jan 27.

During the drive, 4.5 million children in Karachi, Hyderabad, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, parts of Ghotki, Jamshoro, Badin, Dadu, Sanghar, and two union councils of Thatta would be administered the anti-polio vaccine.

“Those pursuing the campaign in these areas have been directed to accomplish at least 95 per cent of the target,” the minister added.

Ahsan Ahmad instructed the town health officers to make it sure that the target of eliminating the menace from Sindh by the end of the year is achieved making the province a polio-free area.

The minister during his visit to the Cantt Station ordered health officials to monitor all the entry and exit routes of the city and appoint different teams at such places to ensure that every child passing through the area should have been administered the polio drops.—PPI