Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi continued his field visits on the second day of the ongoing anti-polio campaign, touring various localities in District Keamari to oversee the progress of vaccination efforts.
Accompanied by United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) representative Saud Khoso, Deputy Commissioner Keamari Raja Tariq Chandio, Assistant Commissioner SITE Nida Saman, and other senior officials, Commissioner Naqvi visited the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation dispensary in Asifabad and met with residents in Asifabad and Pak Colony to raise awareness about the importance of polio immunisation.
He commended the dedication of health workers and campaign staff who, despite the sweltering heat, managed to reach vaccine-hesitant families and successfully educated them about the dangers of polio and the benefits of vaccination. “Your courage and commitment are commendable,” he told the frontline teams.
However, Commissioner Naqvi expressed strong displeasure over the deteriorating condition of the KMC dispensary in Asifabad and directed the deputy commissioner to coordinate with the health department and the KMC to improve the facility’s condition. He also instructed officials to immediately resolve the dispensary’s water supply issues.
Later, the commissioner visited the neighbourhood streets, engaging with the public and appealing for their support. “We must all come together to ensure the success of this campaign. Only by doing so can we secure a better future for our children and protect them from the lifelong effects of polio,” he said.
Addressing parents, Commissioner Naqvi emphasised that polio eradication is a national duty. “Make sure your children receive the polio vaccine and encourage others to do the same. This is how we protect future generations from disability,” he said. Local residents and elected municipal representatives assured the commissioner of their full cooperation and pledged their active participation in making the campaign a success.
Published in News Daily on 24-April-2025.