KARACHI, Aug 23: Sindh governor Dr Ishratul Ibad said on Monday that so far 6.1 million children have been given polio drops all over Sindh while the government was endeavouring hard to get the status of a "polio-free province" for Sindh.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 47th National Polio Vaccination Campaign at the Governor's House, he said six districts of Sindh will be targeted during this campaign and more children would be given polio vaccine drops in these areas.

Jacobabad, Ghotki, some areas in Sukkur region and Karachi require more attention during this campaign and officials have been given strict directives to concentrate on these area, he maintained.

He called for creating an awareness among parents to bring their children by themselves for vaccination, saying without their cooperation, no campaign could be declared successful.

"Parents should themselves realize that vaccination is necessary for a healthy society, especially for their children but unfortunately, due to lack of awareness, the government has to launch a campaign for this purpose," he deplored.

People are being encouraged to get their children vaccinated through government hospitals, basic health units, he said, adding basically government wants to educate parents so that they could realize their responsibilities.

He said that the campaign would be evaluated and monitored at district levels and incentives would be offered to workers who make this campaign more effective and give drops to more children.

To a query regarding the increase in Hepatitis cases in Sindh, he said it was found that a majority of police officials in the province were suffering from Hepatitis.

"Funds are being made available to get the police officials vaccinated against Hepatitis", he said, adding NGOs are being involved to initiate effective campaigns against the lethal liver disease all over the province.

Later, the Sindh governor, Dr. Ishratul Ibad, inaugurated the 47th polio vaccination campaign by administering polio vaccine to many infants. Advisor to Sindh chief minister on health Malik Faisal Gabol and secretary health Ashiq Memon were also present. -PPI