KARACHI: The Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) officials announced on Tuesday that the first phase of the combined fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) campaign in Karachi achieved over 95% coverage in 40 high-risk and super high-risk Union Councils (UCs).

“Our teams successfully vaccinated over 95% of children in the initial 40 UCs during the first phase of the fIPV campaign, which was launched on August 15, 2025. The second phase of the drive to vaccine remaining half million children in 45 UCs is starting tomorrow (Wednesday),” said Irshad Ali Sodhar, Provincial Coordinator for the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) Sindh.

According to the EOC’s data, by the end of the campaign’s fifth day, 509,869 out of 537,638 eligible children received the fractional dose of the polio vaccine via jet injectors, reaching the 95% target. Additionally, 540,093 out of 569,835 children under the age of five were administered Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) drops.

“The highest fIPV acceptance rate was recorded in the UCs of Orangi Town, where 105% of the target was achieved with the help of jet injectors, and 100% of children received OPV drops during the drive. In Karachi West, 100% of eligible children received fIPV, while 90% received OPV drops,” Sodhar stated.

Despite initial resistance to the fIPV on the first day, the campaign witnessed a steady improvement. Motivated team leaders and volunteers worked diligently to ensure every child in the targeted areas was vaccinated. Sodhar noted that the campaign’s progress was closely monitored by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho, and other officials.

“Thanks to strict monitoring and the teams’ hard work, vaccine acceptance significantly increased by the end of the fifth day of the 10-day fIPV drive. Data indicates that 95% of children in the initial 40 Union Councils of Karachi were vaccinated by the end of the first phase,” Sodhar claimed.

In Karachi South’s UCs, 99% of children received fIPV, while 113% were given OPV. In Karachi Central’s UCs, 96% of children were vaccinated with fIPV, while 104% received OPV drops. In Malir’s UCs, 96% and 97% of children were administered fIPV and OPV drops, respectively. In District East’s UCs, 93% and 96% of children were given IPV and OPV drops, respectively, while in Keamari, 84% and 89% of children received fIPV and OPV drops.

With the goal of reaching every child in the 85 Union Councils by the campaign’s conclusion, the Provincial EOC Incharge urged parents to ensure their children receive both the oral and injectable polio vaccines. He emphasized that painless jet injectors are being used to administer the fIPV, which provides lifelong immunity to children.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024