Shahzad Rasheed
Peshawar, 16 October 2026: The Peshawar team convened an engagement session with representatives of the Education Department and public and private schools to strengthen coordination and mobilize support for the upcoming Polio Booster Dose Campaign, scheduled to take place from 26 to 31 October 2026.
The session brought together Additional Secretary Health/EOC Coordinator Ms. Sara Rehman, Additional Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, WHO Area Coordinator Dr. Ihtisham, District Health Officer (DHO) Peshawar, a representative of the Education Department, and officials from UNICEF. ADEO Male Saleem Farooqi, ADEO Female Shamsena Khattak, and Luqman from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Schools Regulatory Authority (KPPSRA) also participated.
Addressing the participants, the officials underscored the importance of collaboration between the health and education sectors in ensuring the successful implementation of the upcoming campaign. They highlighted the vital role of school administrations, teachers, and education authorities in raising awareness about polio vaccination, addressing parents’ concerns, countering misconceptions, and building community trust.
The participants were encouraged to actively engage parents and caregivers, disseminate accurate information, and support campaign teams in reaching all eligible children. The involvement of educational institutions was emphasized as a key strategy for strengthening community participation and improving acceptance of vaccination.
The interactive session provided an opportunity for school representatives and education officials to raise questions and share concerns regarding the campaign. The relevant officials responded to their queries and clarified key aspects of campaign implementation to promote a coordinated and informed response.
Representatives of public and private schools assured the health authorities of their full cooperation in supporting awareness activities and facilitating campaign-related initiatives within their institutions.
The engagement reflects the continued commitment of the Peshawar health and education sectors to work together to protect children from poliovirus. Through strengthened coordination, effective communication, and community mobilization, the campaign aims to ensure that every eligible child receives the required polio booster dose and contributes to Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate polio.
