Umerkot: Under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Umerkot Naveed-ur-Rehman Larik, an important meeting was held at the Darbar Hall of the DC office to evaluate the arrangements and outcomes of the recent polio eradication campaign conducted from September 1 to September 5, 2025.
During the session, the DC emphasized that the eradication of polio remains a top priority of the government, and acknowledged the dedicated efforts of both the district administration and health workers. He stated that it was only because of their hard work and commitment that the campaign was completed successfully and according to targets.
Success of Polio Campaign
Officials informed the meeting that vaccination teams across Umerkot district achieved their assigned targets, ensuring children received polio drops within the campaign period. The DC highly appreciated the role of health workers, praising their dedication and spirit, which, he said, have also led to significant achievements in the fight against other epidemic diseases.
Focus on Cervical Cancer Vaccination Drive
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing cervical cancer vaccination campaign, launched to protect adolescent girls against Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The DC directed all concerned departments to make the campaign more transparent, effective, and wide-reaching, ensuring maximum beneficiaries.
Dr. Muhammad Ali, District Health Officer (DHO) Umerkot, briefed the participants that the cervical cancer vaccination drive was progressing at full pace. He explained that health teams were actively visiting schools to vaccinate girls and that public awareness activities were also being carried out to encourage parents’ cooperation.
According to the progress report, the overall vaccination target in Umerkot district is 85,446 girls. So far, 7,852 girls have received the vaccine. In government and private schools, the target is 34,505 girls, of which 2,032 girls have been vaccinated.
Strict Instructions for Private Schools
DC Larik issued a strong directive to private school representatives, stressing the need to ensure maximum attendance of female students during vaccination drives. He warned that if schools showed negligence, their registrations would be canceled.
Attendance and Participation
The meeting was attended by a wide range of officials and representatives, reflecting a strong interdepartmental approach. These included Additional Deputy Commissioner-II Imran Khan, Provincial EPI Coordinator Madam Nazish, Civil Surgeon Dr. Fareed Ahmed Hingorjo, Assistant Commissioners Rajo Ali Suthio (Umerkot), Sanjey Kumar Tarkio (Samaro & Pithoro), and Muhammad Khan Bhangwar (Kunri), Polio Focal Person Dr. Wajeeh Kumar, EPI Focal Person Dr. Sher Mehr, WHO representative Dr. Durga Shankar, Dr. Monica, Polio Communication Officer Arbab Ali Mangrio, as well as education officials such as DEO Secondary Mir Hassan Arisar, representatives from the Social Welfare Department, Local Government Department, the Information Department, and senior figures from private schools’ associations including Khan Muhammad Shah, Noor Muhammad Nahri, and Khuda Bux Mehr.
The session concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collectively for the eradication of polio and the prevention of cervical cancer. The DC praised the collaborative efforts but also made it clear that accountability measures would remain strict to ensure that no child or adolescent girl is left behind in these critical vaccination campaigns.
