Independent Report
SIBI, February 11, 2026: Commissioner Sibi Division, Asadullah Faiz, has emphasized that coordinated and robust measures are crucial for the complete eradication of polio, noting that only two countries worldwide continue to report poliovirus cases.
Faiz made these remarks while chairing a meeting of the Divisional Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Task Force. The session was attended by Deputy Commissioner Sibi Major (R) Ilyas Kabzai, Divisional Director Health Dr. Abdul Khaliq, AC WHO Dr. Ehsanullah, NPO WHO Dr. Rahat, and other officials, while deputy commissioners from other districts and heads of EPI and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) joined via video link.
During the meeting, the Commissioner received a detailed briefing on the division’s EPI performance from October to December 2025. The overview included vaccination coverage, dropout rates, key performance indicators, surveillance and supervision mechanisms, NEIR data, and the engagement of partner organizations. Attendance of vaccinators and issues regarding unregistered personnel in the NEIR system were also reviewed.
Commending the work of the EOC, Faiz described the establishment of a divisional-level EPI forum as a significant step forward, noting that this was its inaugural meeting. He directed deputy commissioners to allocate BSDI funds to improve sewerage systems and cover open drains, stressing that enhanced sanitation would support better outcomes in environmental polio surveillance.
District Health Officers were instructed to integrate maternal and child health awareness into the training of polio teams, ensuring that parents are well-informed during immunization campaigns. Faiz warned that any discrepancies in vaccination data would result in immediate action against responsible vaccinators or officials.
Concluding the session, the Commissioner called for close coordination among the Health Department, EPI, maternal and child health, and nutrition institutions, underlining that collaborative action across these sectors is essential to achieve sustainable public health results and secure the complete eradication of polio in the division.
