In a significant push to safeguard public health, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is achieving remarkable success with its ongoing vaccination campaigns, targeting dangerous childhood diseases.
Major Headway in Measles and Rubella Fight
Presiding over a high-level review meeting in Peshawar, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah received encouraging updates on the national measles and rubella vaccination campaign. Officials reported that in just the first three days, the drive has successfully immunized over 1.2 million children across the province.
The campaign, which runs from November 17 to November 29, is aimed at protecting children aged between six months and five years. The initiative covers all 37 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. To ensure maximum reach, vaccines are being administered at various accessible points, including government health centres, selected temporary sites, schools, and madrasas.
Coordinated Strategy for Polio Eradication
The meeting also served as a platform to review preparations for the crucial December polio campaign. Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah emphasized that protecting children from measles, rubella, and polio is a top government priority.
He stressed that a well-coordinated strategy is essential for the successful implementation of these life-saving drives. The meeting, attended by the Secretary Health, Provincial Coordinator EOC, and other senior officials, with Deputy Commissioners and District Health Officers joining via video link, focused on ensuring seamless execution.
Officials informed the chief secretary that all districts are expected to complete their preparatory work and submit reports by December 10. This will pave the way for a synchronized and effective polio vaccination campaign, which is scheduled to begin on December 15.
A Dual Approach to Immunization
In a strategic move to increase efficiency, health authorities are administering polio drops simultaneously with the measles and rubella vaccine in selected districts. This integrated approach helps in maximizing resources and ensuring that children receive protection against multiple diseases in a single visit.
With preparatory activities for the polio campaign already underway, the provincial health machinery is gearing up for another intensive round of immunization to keep Pakistan's children safe and healthy.
