PESHAWAR, Oct 18: Appointment of non-professionals on technical posts by UN agencies is undermining the anti-polio campaign, health officials say.

“Several non-doctors have been appointed as Surveillance Officers (SO) by Unicef and WHO which is affecting the anti-polio campaign. As a rule, these posts are required to be given to medical doctors,” said a source.

“The son of a top health official has been working as an SO though he is not a doctor. A lawyer has also been given that post,” said an official.

Recently, the brother of an MPA tried to be posted as SO in Swat. However, the team leader of WHO’s Polio Eradication Initiative turned down his request despite health minister’s recommendations.

“The team leader was transferred out of Pakistan,” said the source. District Support Officers (DSOs) and SOs are required to check vaccine vial monitor before giving oral polio vaccines to children and carrying out case investigation.