Sindh CM Takes Action After New Polio Cases Emerge

KARACHI – Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken strict action against officials over poor performance in the polio drive. He suspended two District Health Officers and removed two Assistant Commissioners for negligence. The Deputy Commissioners of Badin and Thatta received disciplinary notices. This action followed a high-level meeting on Tuesday at CM House focused on the polio situation. The Chief Minister said eradicating polio is a national duty that must be fulfilled with full responsibility.

Despite a 98% vaccination coverage, new cases have emerged in Hyderabad, Badin, and Thatta. In total, nine cases were reported across Sindh this year. These include three in Badin, two in Thatta, and one each in Hyderabad, Larkano, Kambar, and Umerkot. The Health Minister, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, stated that the virus is exploiting small gaps in coverage. She said the campaign now needs to identify and reach all missed children. The Chief Minister expressed concern and ordered a more aggressive campaign.

He directed the Health Department and Emergency Operations Centre to start a new phase in the campaign immediately. He called for two large-scale polio campaigns in October and December. In November, Sindh will also launch a joint Measles-Polio campaign. Karachi will see a focused Fractional Inactivated Polio Vaccine (fIPV) campaign. The CM said mop-up operations with OPV and IPV boosters must continue in high-risk areas.

Officials revealed that 81% of Sindh’s environmental samples test positive for the polio virus. All 12 testing sites in Karachi are consistently positive. Many recent cases are linked to migrant and mobile populations who are hard to reach. The CM stressed the need to target these groups. He also ordered the launch of a special drive to find children missed in the September campaign.

The CM warned that any further negligence will not be tolerated. He said the government is serious about ending polio in the province. He emphasized protecting every child, not just the majority. He directed health authorities to submit a final action plan for the rest of the year. This plan will include follow-up campaigns and new strategies to close the remaining gaps in coverage.