Polio eradication efforts: Insecurity, inaccessibility termed biggest challenge

The polio eradication partners on Wednesday thrashed out a comprehensive operational and communication work plan for next polio low season (September-May 2015-16) at the three day National Emergency Action Planning Workshop concluded here on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Focal Person for Polio Eradication Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq chaired the workshop. Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar led the proceedings on the final day. Besides the provincial health secretaries, Health Director Generals, provincial Co-ordinators Emergency Operation Centres, Army officials, political agents, DCOs, country representatives of WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, BMGF and other partner agencies and technical officials attended the workshop organised by the Ministry of National Health Services in the provincial capital.
The Political agents, commissioners and secretaries of 12 tier-1 districts presented their respective work plans to polio eradication partners which were discussed in detail. The Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar said that the biggest challenge confronting polio eradication efforts was insecurity and inaccessibility. With the success of operation Zarb-i-azb and support provided by the armed forces in implementation of the campaign, that challenge is clearly behind us now.
Prime Minister Focal Person Ayesha Raza Farooq said even though visible progress was made last year, yet the risk of continued transmission of polio virus was real and required integrated efforts from all partners. She emphasised that unique problems require solutions and detailed district-wise plans for 12 tier-1 districts were prepared taking into account the local needs. She appreciated the efforts undertaken by the provincial governments and current challenges being faced by the provinces and districts during implementation process of polio eradication activities. "The plan for coming season has been prepared in light of the lessons learned during the last year. I want to remind all that polio will be eradicated at the district and UC level." She specifically praised the polio workers who lost their lives for the cause. She also emphasised that validation of micro plans, missed children, tracking migrant population, and quality surveillance were specifically focused in the national plan.
Director General Health Services Punjab Dr Zahid Pervaiz highlighted Punjab's challenges and said that without improving Routine Immunisation, sustainable progress cannot be made. Appreciating Punjab's EPI team for their dedicated efforts, he mentioned the innovative use of android technology for staff accountability in Punjab and offered Punjab's support to other provinces.
Secretary health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mushtaq Jadoon said that the workshop was an opportunity to evaluate the pace towards polio eradication and analyse the grey areas so that a workable and implantable plan for achieving desired results is developed. He said the KPK government was committed to polio eradication address and a strict accountability was being introduced into the system to achieve the dream of a polio free Pakistan.
Political Agent South Waziristan agency Islam Zeb said that his team had made great strides in polio eradication in South Waziristan agency since November 2014. "Door to door vaccination has been restarted in all cleared areas of the agency. By the efforts of our teams and support of law enforcing agencies, there has been drastic decrease in number of polio cases from the agency in the current year."
EOC Co-ordinator Balochistan Dr Saifur Rehman said difficult terrain, security situation and scattered population were the biggest challenges in Balochistan and despite continuous loss of life, the teams were working in the most challenging environment in the province. DC Pishin Engineer Abdul Waheed Kakar said Pishin was polio free in 2012 and 2013 but due to occasional refusals, some cases were reported. However, he assured that district administration was working for polio eradication.
Sindh's Provincial Oversight and Co-ordination Cell Co-ordinator, for Shahnaz Wazir said that as part of the renewed focus on central Pakistan, the provincial government was committing material and human resource to polio eradication efforts in the country.