Latest news with #EOC
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Recorder
Polio immunisation campaign enters final round in Punjab
LAHORE: The third national polio immunisation campaign of the year, deemed critical for interrupting the ongoing poliovirus transmission, has entered its final phase in Punjab. As of Thursday, polio teams visited house-to-house during the designated catch-up days to reach children who were missed in earlier days of vaccination. In major urban centers and high-risk districts classified as 'mega districts,' the campaign will continue for a full 7 days, concluding on Sunday. In other districts across the province, the drive will run for 5 days and end on Friday (tomorrow). This campaign is especially significant given the onset of the high poliovirus transmission season, which typically lasts from May through September, coinciding with hot and humid conditions that are conducive to virus survival and spread. The timing of the campaign is also strategic, preceding the Eid holidays — a period marked by extensive human mobility. This increased movement raises the risk of virus transmission from one region to another, particularly affecting unvaccinated or immunocompromised children. These children are at heightened risk of contracting and spreading the virus, potentially undermining the gains made in previous immunization rounds. In the first three days alone, frontline polio workers successfully vaccinated over 15 million children under the age of five. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Coordinator, Adeel Tasawar, urged teams to intensify efforts during the catch-up days, emphasizing the importance of revisiting homes where children were missed. 'Achieving high coverage is key to boosting herd immunity,' he stated, 'ensuring the poliovirus has no sanctuary in our communities.' Tasawar called on caregivers and parents to cooperate with polio teams and report any missed children or related issues by contacting the national helpline at 1166. He praised polio workers as national heroes, recognizing their tireless efforts to go door-to-door with the sole mission of eradicating polio from Pakistan. 'They deserve respect, support, and a glass of water if needed,' he added, encouraging the public to honor their dedication. He also lauded the vital role of civil society, which has provided extensive moral support to polio workers, particularly in areas with difficult terrain or security challenges. He reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to achieving a polio-free Pakistan, stating that complete eradication is not only a public health priority but a moral responsibility to future generations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Polio campaign launched to immunise over 10m children
The Sindh government's Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) has launched a province-wide anti-polio campaign, which will continue until June one. According to the EOC Sindh spokesperson, the campaign aims to vaccinate over 10.6 million children under the age of five across 30 districts of the province. More than 80,000 trained polio workers will go door to door to administer the drops, supported by 25,539 security personnel. In addition to polio drops, children aged six to 59 months will also receive Vitamin A supplements to help boost their immunity. Following successful rounds in February and April, this phase is considered crucial in strengthening nationwide efforts to eradicate the poliovirus. Although significant progress has been made, environmental samples from districts like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Larkana still show traces of the virus. So far, four polio cases have been reported in Sindh this year. The spokesperson emphasised that as long as the poliovirus exists anywhere in the world, it remains a threat to our children. This campaign reflects our collective commitment to reaching every child and eliminating polio for good. The campaign is currently underway in 1,292 union councils across Sindh, where district administrations, the health department, and partner organisations are actively supporting polio teams. EOC Sindh urges parents, teachers, religious scholars, media, and community leaders to play a proactive role in this national cause. If a child has missed their polio drops, citizens are encouraged to call the helpline at 1166 or send a WhatsApp message to 0346-7776546.
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
Eradication of polio: Top paediatricians, major hospitals join hands
LAHORE: In a major step toward eradicating polio from Pakistan, leading paediatricians and major hospitals across Punjab have partnered with the Punjab Government and Punjab Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in support of the upcoming National Polio Vaccination Campaign, commencing today (Monday), May 26. The campaign aims to vaccinate over 23 million children under the age of five, with the help of more than 200,000 polio workers. The campaign will run for 7 days in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, while in other districts, the drive will continue for 5 days. Renowned paediatricians from key hospitals in Lahore and beyond have voiced their strong support for the campaign and the critical role of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in building herd immunity and protecting children against lifelong paralysis. 'We are proud to stand with the Punjab government in this national effort,' said Dr Shahzad Haider, a senior paediatrician at Defence Hospital, Lahore. 'Oral Polio Vaccine is safe, effective, and essential to developing community-level immunity. Every child must be vaccinated in every campaign to ensure we close the immunity gap.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SC EOC wants to add a new system to help students be career-ready by graduation
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – This week in Columbia, the Education Oversight Committee (EOC) voted on a major update to South Carolina's education system; it's what they call the 'South Carolina Tiered Credential System.' This new initiative is designed to make students more career-ready by the time they graduate, giving them the skills and required credentials to step straight into the workforce. Basically, it's a free certificate system that is meant to ensure employers that students are prepared and ready for the workforce. 'They'll be able to really hit the ground running, as we like to say. They'll be ready to go and ready to work in these industries in South Carolina,' said Tenell Felder, who runs Communications for the EOC. The system is broken down into three tiers: Covers basic, industry-specific skills Includes credentials that boost employability Features credentials required for high-wage and high-demand careers 'It's just a nice start that gives you a heads up over other people that might be applying for a job…. If you're needing to work your way through college, it's great to have this because you're going to be able to get into a higher wage job and help pay your way through college if that's what you want to,' said Senator Ross Turner (R – Greenville). Turner, who is a member of the EOC, and Felder agree that this program would also be great for students who do not know exactly what they want to do yet. 'That might give you the opportunity to explore a little bit, to decide, especially with the tiered system, you know, you're not going straight into the, the certifications that you need for a specific industry. You can kind of explore a little bit,' Felder added They say it can also help students learn essential life skills. 'Being explained to you that you got to show up on time, you got to work hard, you've got to be participating, and there's going to be change, and you've got to accept change. Those kinds of skills are going to be good. Whatever they end up doing, even if they don't want to get into something industry specific,' said Turner. Turner said The State Department of Education, Department of Employment and Workforce, and the Southern Regional Education Board have worked with the Education Oversight Committee to develop this system. The Committee is expected to meet again in June. If the updated system is officially approved, it will go into effect in August. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Express Tribune
22-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
CM stresses urgency, accountability in anti-polio drives
While presiding over a meeting of the Provincial Polio Task Force, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted the necessity of accountability at every level. He said, "every missed child is a potential case." Minister for Health Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho and In-charge EOC Irshad Sodhar gave a detailed briefing to the Chief Minister on the upcoming anti-polio drive. Polio remains a threat The CM said that polio continues to pose a threat that cripples our children. "We are making all-out efforts and convening Provincial Task Force meetings regularly to send a clear and loud message to the entire administration to launch campaigning as a mission," he said. Health Minister Dr Azra informed the CM that 10 wild polio cases have been reported in Pakistan so far in 2025, including four from Sindh. Additionally, 11 out of 35 sewage samples collected between April 7 and April 24 tested positive for wild poliovirus, indicating continued virus circulation. May campaign targets The May campaign will reach over 10.6 million children under the age of five across 1,292 Union Councils in all 30 districts of Sindh. The operation will be supported by more than 80,000 trained frontline workers and 25,539 law enforcement personnel, including female constables. Tackling refusals To address persistent challenges in high-risk areas, especially in Karachi, 157 doctors have been deployed to target 6,780 sick refusals. The CM directed to activate the Refusal Conversion Committees (RCCs) in the defaulting UCs.
