Polio Campaign Suspended in Nine Union Councils of Tirah Valley Due to Security Concerns
Health officials revealed that the anti-polio campaign in nine union councils of Tirah Valley, Khyber tribal district, has been suspended owing to the precarious security situation.
Preparations were reportedly in place for vaccinating children in the affected areas, but security authorities advised postponement. Approximately 17,000 children under five years of age were registered for vaccination in the suspended areas.
Campaign Progress in Other Regions
The campaign is proceeding smoothly in other parts of the district, including Bara, Jamrud, and Landi Kotal, with no incidents of resistance or boycott. Health officials noted that these communities have been highly cooperative, with minimal vaccine refusals, primarily due to illness or weather conditions.
Officials stated that 945 vaccination teams have been mobilized to inoculate 210,000 children under five years of age across Khyber district.
Swabi Monitoring Efforts
In Swabi, the ongoing five-day anti-polio campaign is under close monitoring by the district administration following directives from the chief secretary to address gaps in previous vaccination drives.
Deputy Commissioner Nasrullah Khan, during a field visit with health officials, urged parents to cooperate with vaccinators for their children’s health. He reviewed polio team performance in Maneri and observed the vaccination process.
The deputy commissioner emphasized the importance of the campaign and warned against non-cooperation, with officials instructed to ensure complete coverage of targeted children. However, they refrained from sharing detailed data on vaccination coverage.
Shangla Health Officials Suspended
In Shangla district, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Fawad Khan suspended two area health in-charges for failing to implement the anti-polio campaign effectively. During a meeting at his office in Alpuri, the deputy commissioner, who also chairs the district polio committee, reviewed the ongoing drive, which continues until Dec 21.
He directed officials to enhance campaign effectiveness and coverage to meet vaccination targets.
Strict Security in Bajaur District
The anti-polio drive in Bajaur tribal district continued for the third consecutive day under heightened security. Over 1,600 police personnel are escorting vaccination teams, safeguarding efforts to vaccinate around 270,000 children. The security measures were intensified in response to previous attacks on polio teams.
