CHITRAL: The district polio eradication committee (DPEC) on Tuesday decided to deploy policewomen in border villages of Arandu and Damil for vaccination of children during the forthcoming National Immunisation Days (NIDs) campaign starting from March 2 in the face of unavailability of women health workers.

The meeting noted that deployment of policewomen was necessitated as there were stringent social taboos prevalent in the areas, and women were not allowed even to venture out of their homes.

Lower Chitral deputy commissioner Mohammad Imran Khan chaired the meeting. The participants discussed different options, including the deployment of policewomen for vaccination keeping in view the areas’ proximity to Afghanistan.

The meeting also vowed to ensure 100 per cent vaccination of children returning from Peshawar and other cities as they were considered one of the potential carriers of poliovirus to the area.

The meeting decided to deploy vaccination staff at the transit points on Lowari Road in three shifts to ensure vaccination of children travelling with their parents in vehicles.

DC Imran Khan also stressed that the missed children from the last NIDs be traced vigorously and be vaccinated.

It was reported that the rate of refusal had dropped to zero as during the last NIDs, only four refusal cases were reported, which were cleared locally after preliminary negotiations.

District health officer Dr Fayaz Rumi, additional DC (finance and planning) Anwar Akbar, assistant commissioner Dr Atif Jalib, representatives of World Health Organisation, civil society and line departments were also in attendance.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2024