CHITRAL: National Immunisation Days (NIDs) to administer polio drops to children is continuing in Upper Chitral with the vaccination staff braving the chilly weather and wading through the knee-deep snow to reach the targeted children numbered just over 13,000.

District health officer Dr Farman Wali Khan told Dawn from far-flung Saht village of Mulkhow Valley on Tuesday that the harsh weather failed to dampen the spirit of the members of the vaccination teams as the campaign entered the second day.

He said NIDs in Oveer, Terich, Shagram and Khot union councils, Broghil Valley and Yarkhoon Lasht had been postponed due to the intense weather.

Dr Wali said 187 mobile vaccination teams had been constituted while 11 fixed centres established for the campaign. He said with the active support of the district administration, an efficient system of monitoring had been put in place to ensure that not a single child was missed during the campaign.

Vaccination drive goes on smoothly in Waziristan, Dera as well

The DHO said almost no refusal case had been reported during the first two days of the campaign.

Meanwhile, a five-day anti-polio campaign in Lower South Waziristan district continued on the second day amid strict security arrangements to ensure the safety of polio workers.

The campaign aims to vaccinate 70,921 children against the crippling disease.

Polio teams were deployed across the district, administering vaccine to children, while police personnel were stationed at various locations to provide security and prevent any disruption to the campaign.

District police officer Asif Bahader emphasised the importance of protecting children from the lifelong disability through vaccination.

He directed all circle DSPs and SHOs to be on alert to deal with any unpleasant incident that might arise during the campaign. He directed the police to provide foolproof security to polio workers, enabling them to perform their duties without fear.

Deputy commissioner Nasir Khan told Dawn that 353 mobile teams had been formed for the vaccination campaign.

In Dera Ismail Khan, additional deputy commissioner (general) Adnan Jamil paid a surprise visit to Derajat 1 union council to take stock of the ongoing polio drive in the area.

He checked the fixed centre and mobile teams, took clusters from 10 households, besides inspecting vaccine vial management, door and finger marking.

He also met with parents and educated them about the importance of vaccination of their children against the deadly disease.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2025