Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) top officials have finalized a comprehensive strategy to tackle polio in the southern districts of the province, aiming to eliminate the virus by the end of 2025. Senior government representatives, health officials, and key partners met in Peshawar to approve the South KP Polio Action Plan, which outlines targeted interventions in areas considered most at risk.
The meeting, led by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, involved the Coordinator of the National Emergency Operations Centre, Muhammed Anwar-ul Haq, alongside members of the Core Group, partners from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), and local health authorities. Senior officials from Dera Ismail Khan Division, including commissioners, deputy commissioners, and district health teams, actively participated in discussing and refining strategies.
Presentations from district teams showcased customized operational plans, focusing on micro-level planning, innovative approaches, and detailed gap analyses. These plans addressed persistent challenges such as reaching vulnerable populations and enhancing vaccination coverage in high-risk areas.
Following thorough discussion, participants agreed on a roadmap synchronizing district efforts with the provincial objective of a polio-free KP. The Chief Secretary stressed that this roadmap would serve as a guiding framework for all anti-polio campaigns throughout 2025, ensuring a consistent, province-wide strategy.
Muhammed Anwar-ul Haq, the NEOC Coordinator, praised the collaborative spirit of the meeting and expressed confidence that the new approach would improve both polio eradication and routine immunization efforts, effectively curbing virus transmission in South KP.
A similar planning session is scheduled for the Bannu Division, as the province moves to extend this strategic effort across all high-priority regions.
