Matiari Report
A large-scale anti-polio campaign is set to begin in Matiari district from October 13 to October 17, 2025, as part of the national effort to completely eradicate the crippling disease from Pakistan. During the campaign, a total of 181,247 children under the age of five across all three talukas of the district will be administered oral polio vaccine (OPV) drops to protect them from this life-altering virus.
To ensure effective coverage and maximum outreach, the District Health Department Matiari has constituted 604 vaccination teams. These include 37 fixed teams stationed at healthcare centers and public points, 545 mobile teams that will go door-to-door to reach children in remote and urban areas alike, and 22 transit teams deployed at key entry and exit routes of the district to cover traveling families and visitors.
Supervision and coordination have been prioritized for smooth execution of the campaign. A total of 21 UC Medical Officers and 124 area in-charges have been appointed to monitor vaccination activities and ensure that no child is left unvaccinated.
To generate public awareness and motivate communities to cooperate, the health department — in collaboration with the District Administration Matiari — organized a Polio Awareness Walk and Rally. The event started from Taluka Hospital Matiari and concluded at the Matiari Press Club, led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Matiari Muhammad Yousuf Shaikh and District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. Syed Asif Shah.
The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from health officials, PPHI representatives, doctors, paramedical staff, media personnel, and members of civil society. Participants carried placards and banners bearing slogans such as “Polio Eradication is a National Duty,” “Two Drops for a Safe Future,” and “End Polio, Protect Every Child.” Pamphlets were also distributed to highlight the importance of immunization and the collective responsibility to eliminate the disease.
Speaking at the concluding session outside the Matiari Press Club, DC Muhammad Yousuf Shaikh and other officials emphasized that polio remains one of the most dangerous yet often underestimated diseases. “It is a grave misconception that polio is not a serious threat,” they said. “Polio permanently disables a child, making them dependent on others for life. The only way to protect our children and secure their future is through vaccination.”
They appealed to parents, teachers, and community elders to fully cooperate with polio teams visiting their homes and ensure that every eligible child receives the drops. The officials reiterated that complete eradication of polio is achievable only through collective commitment and public support.
As a symbolic gesture, DC Shaikh and DHO Dr. Asif Shah personally administered polio drops to children at the Taluka Hospital Matiari, formally inaugurating the week-long campaign. The ceremony marked the beginning of the latest phase in the district’s ongoing efforts to maintain Pakistan’s progress toward a polio-free future.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner convened a review meeting at Latif Hall Matiari to assess the administrative arrangements, logistics, and performance plans for the campaign. Officials from the health, education, and local government departments participated in the session to discuss coordination strategies and address potential challenges in field operations.
The Matiari administration reaffirmed its dedication to reaching every household — including those in far-flung villages and nomadic settlements — to ensure 100 percent vaccination coverage. Health teams have been instructed to report daily progress and maintain transparency through digital tracking systems.
Local health authorities expressed gratitude to the provincial government and supporting organizations for providing necessary resources, vaccines, and training. They stressed that consistent public cooperation remains the cornerstone of success in eradicating polio once and for all.
The Matiari campaign stands as a model of community-driven public health action, combining government leadership, professional commitment, and civic participation. As Pakistan continues its battle to eliminate the virus entirely, Matiari’s proactive approach reflects the country’s enduring resolve to safeguard its children and secure a polio-free generation for the future.
