Divisional Task Force Meeting on Polio Eradication Held Under Hazara Commissioner

An important meeting of the Divisional Task Force on polio eradication was held under the chairmanship of Commissioner Hazara Division, Mr. Fayaz Ali Shah, to review preparedness for the upcoming polio vaccination campaign scheduled for February. The WHO Coordinator briefed participants on key operational aspects of the campaign.
Addressing the meeting, the Commissioner emphasized that accurate, timely, and reliable data is critical to improving campaign quality and promptly addressing gaps. He directed District Health Officers (DHOs) to deploy internal monitoring teams using their own resources to ensure full coverage of missed children.
He further instructed that during master trainers’ sessions, Union Council–level trainers should receive focused and effective training. Deputy Commissioners and DHOs were asked to personally visit training sessions to motivate master trainers, monitors, and field staff, thereby enhancing overall campaign performance.
Stressing the importance of timely and accurate reporting, the Commissioner called for comprehensive documentation of refusal cases to enable swift and effective follow-up. He also directed special attention to transit points, instructing DHOs to deploy staff to vaccinate children traveling with passengers and tourists.
Regarding security, the Commissioner ordered the preparation of a comprehensive police deployment plan to be shared with all Deputy Commissioners. He underscored that police personnel must accompany polio teams throughout the campaign to ensure security and operational effectiveness.
The Commissioner advised Deputy Commissioners and DHOs to develop district-specific plans based on local ground realities through close coordination. He also emphasized the participation of Assistant Commissioners and Additional Assistant Commissioners in evening review meetings to strengthen field-level supervision and implementation.
Reaffirming collective responsibility, the Commissioner stated that eradicating polio requires coordinated efforts, robust monitoring, and shared commitment. He expressed confidence that Hazara Division can be made polio-free through sustained collaboration.
Concluding the meeting, he directed that recorded messages from elected representatives, social workers, and religious scholars be disseminated on social media to raise public awareness about the importance of the polio campaign and ensure its success.