PESHAWAR: Religious scholars and community leaders on Thursday pledged their full support to the government in the ongoing measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, emphasizing the importance of protecting children’s health.
The pledge was made at a meeting held in Peshawar to highlight the active participation of religious scholars and leaders in the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign.The session was organized under the auspices of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and was attended by prominent ulema, khateebs, madrassa teachers, and religious figures from across the province.
The participants included Dr Asghar Khan, director EPI KP; Dr. Inamullah (UNICEF); Dr. Bawar Shah from the Pakistan Paediatric Association; Professor Aqeel; Dr. Gohar Ameen; and Dr. Kamran Qureshi (UNICEF).
During the meeting, the participants emphasized the vital and positive role of religious leadership in ensuring the success of the vaccination campaign. The religious scholars acknowledged that protecting the health and lives of children is not only a moral and social responsibility but also a religious duty in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The ulema reaffirmed their commitment to use Friday sermons, public gatherings, mosques, and madrassas as platforms to raise awareness and motivate parents to ensure their children receive the Measles-Rubella vaccines.
Minister for HealthKhaliq-ur-Rehman lauded the involvement of the religious community. “The Measles-Rubella campaign is a national responsibility. The support of our religious leaders will strengthen public confidence and help ensure that every child in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is protected. The partnership between government and religious leadership is a guarantee for a healthy, safe, and bright future for our children,” he said.
Secretary Health Shahidullah Khan said: “The Health Department believes in collective responsibility. The participation and guidance of religious leaders will elevate this campaign to new heights of success by spreading accurate information and public trust.”Earlier, Director EPI Dr. Asghar Khan, briefed that the province-wide campaign, scheduled from November 17 to 29, 2025, aims to vaccinate millions of children.