The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has finalized a comprehensive action plan to eradicate polio in the southern region of the province through December 2025. The initiative aims to address persistent challenges in high-risk areas by adopting innovative strategies and coordinated efforts among provincial and district authorities.
The plan was finalized during a high-level meeting in Peshawar, chaired by Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah. Participants included officials from the National Emergency Operations Centre, the Core Group, GPEI partners, EPI and health departments, as well as key representatives from Dera Ismail Khan Division such as commissioners, deputy commissioners, district health officers, and District Emergency Operations Centre members.
During the meeting, district teams presented tailored operational plans featuring microplanning innovations, gap analyses, and detailed strategies to tackle obstacles in polio-endemic areas. Extensive discussions led to the agreement on a unified roadmap that aligns local district measures with the overall provincial goal of a polio-free Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah highlighted that the newly adopted roadmap is designed not only for the upcoming campaign but also serves as an overarching strategy for all anti-polio campaigns through the end of 2025. He stressed the importance of continuous collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the complete eradication of the disease from the region.
National Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator Muhammed Anwar-ul Haq praised the teamwork demonstrated at the meeting, expressing optimism that the targeted approach will enhance both polio and routine immunization programmes across South Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ultimately interrupting the transmission of the virus.
A similar planning session is scheduled to take place for the Bannu Division, continuing the province’s focused efforts against polio.
