Health agencies join hands for polio-free NWFP

World Health Organisation (WHO), Unicef and provincial health department of NWFP have expressed satisfaction over the measures taken to eradicate polio and also reaffirmed to expedite and strengthen social mobilisation and awareness campaigns to achieve the goal of a polio free province.
These views were expressed at a high level meeting, which was attended by WHO's team leader on NWFP & Fata Dr Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Director EPI Dr Waheed, Senior surveillance officer Dr Khalid Nawaz, National polio officer (WHO) Dr Sarfaraz Afridi, Assistant Director EPI Dr Shams-ur-Rehman and Polio Focal Person (Unicef) Zahid Shah.
Dr Sarfaraz Afridi said that sweeping strategy was needed in Tank and Swat and outcome in these districts would be monitored through additional monitors. He said the meeting that NID teams were in contact with the district administrations and they were likely to extend a helping hand.
Zahid Shah, focal person Unicef said that there had been some misunderstanding regarding the refusals and lack of awareness, which were needed to be clarified. He stressed the need for documentation of the refusals reported.
Dr Abdul Jabbar, on this occasion briefed the meeting about the status of refusals coverage rate in certain districts and agencies so that the misconception could be removed and refusals be ascertained. Dr Khalid Nawaz said that due to heavy influx of people from Waziristan to Bannu, the EPI staff in Bannu had been provided with additional supplies of vaccines and guidelines so that these families could be duly covered.
Dr Shams stated that reports of all the District Health Communication Support Officers should be consolidated so that a clear picture of all the activities can be had at the end of each month.
The meeting also assigned the Communication Officer (EPI) Peshawar to keep a vigilant eye on all the communication officers. The meeting also agreed to telecast interviews of doctors, religious scholars and affectees on TV channels before the next National Immunisation Days (NIDs), falling from 30th October to 1st November, 2007.