Member IMB visited EOC/Sindh to discuss polio situation in Sindh

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Member IMB visited EOC/Sindh to discuss polio situation in Sindh

The (IMB) is an oversight mechanism of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). The meeting was chaired by Madam Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Technical Provincial Coordinator and Mr. Paul Rutter Member IMB.

Attendees included Dr. Muahmmad Usman Chachar Coordinator EOC Sindh, Team leaders and members of WHO and UNICEF Sindh, Rotary Pakistan, N Stop as well as Secretary Health Mr. Iftikhar Shallwani.

Dr. Usman Chachar, Coordinator EOC Sindh gave a detailed presentation on the successes and challenges faced by the polio program in Sindh. He informed that last year in 2014 Karachi faced a number of challenges and 23 of the 30 cases seen in Sindh were from the provincial capital. However innovative approaches as well as the formation of EOC Sindh have contributed significantly towards a decline in cases. The last polio case surfaced in Karachi in October 2014. However there has been a setback in Sindh where we have seen 4 cases surface in 2015.

Dr. Usman further informed Mr. Paul Rutter that there has been a significant improvement in environmental samples and it is the first time in 3 years that the Gadap area which was declared a reservoir for polio and had 10 cases last year, has negative environment samples.

He said that the new approaches applied include stronger accountability, a focus on missed children as well as introducing health camps to offer the community more than just polio eradication. He also informed the meeting of polio plus efforts in special projects for the provision of clean water and sanitation are ongoing on underserved communities. He also informed the Member of IMB of a special strategy focusing on the riverine areas of Sindh.

Secretary Health Sindh Mr. Ifitikhar Shallwani welcomed Mr. Rutter to EOC Sindh and informed him that polio is one of the highest priorities of the health department and the team is working around the clock in order to achieve polio free status. He also express gratitude that this visit will give EOC Sindh chance to unfold new opportunities.

Madam Shahnaz Wazir Ali on this occasion explained the functioning of the EOC (Which was an IMB recommendation) and how the partners sit together under one umbrella and as one team for the purpose of polio eradication. She also thanked Mr. Rutter for his visit and labelled this an opportunity to learn and improve.

Mr. Paul Rutter expressed his opinion that the Sindh EOC has given a very clear picture of the challenges at hand and congratulated EOC members for the way in which they have been able to set up the emergency operation center and the way he it is functioning. He said that there is still a long way to go but steps are being taken in the right direction and we might be writing a very important chapter in the history of polio eradication.

Altaf Bosan from Federal Eoc and Dr. Ahmad Ali Shaikh also attended the meeting.

2017-04-26T12:34:54+00:00