All hands against polio
Carbonu, D.M.; Hashwani, S.; Badruddin, G.; Marshall, P.; Fazal, S.
World Health Forum 19(2): 188-191
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0251-2432 PMID: 9652220 Document Number: 276831
5486 cases of poliomyelitis were reported in Pakistan between 1988 and 1993. In 1994, the country joined the international polio eradication program and has since conducted eight national polio campaigns during which oral polio vaccine was given to children at special community centers throughout Pakistan under the auspices of the Expanded Program on Immunization. The students and faculty of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing, working together with other groups and organizations, participated in all but one of the campaigns to provide technical and professional support, motivate parents and families to have their children immunized, promote a positive attitude in communities toward the national polio program, and identify high-risk groups. The school's involvement was planned and coordinated by its Community Health Nursing Interest Group. Recommendations for improving the program are presented on the basis of the experience gained.