PESHAWAR: Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Department of Health on Monday launched the province-wide campaign against measles and rubella (MR).
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Provincial Minister for Health Khaleequr Rehman, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Information Shafiullah, Secretary Information Bakhtiar Khan, DG Health Dr Shahid Yunas, Director EPI Dr Asghar Khan, Unicef Health Team Lead Dr Inamullah Khan, DG Information Imran Khan and the UNICEF Health Team.
The campaign will run across the province from 17 to 29 November, targeting all children aged six months to five years for the measles and rubella vaccine.The provincial target is to vaccinate 6.4 million children and achieve at least 95 percent coverage.
A total of 6,509 vaccination teams have been deployed, including 1,616 fixed teams, 4,678 outreach teams, and 215 mobile teams. All preparations, micro-planning, validation, and staff training have been completed. Relevant departments are providing full support in the field.
Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said that the health sector is one of the top priorities of the provincial government.He added that district administrations are making every possible effort to ensure the success of the MR campaign.
The official urged parents to fully cooperate with health teams, noting that no health initiative can achieve its goals without public support.The health minister stated that several health projects are underway to provide quality healthcare services to the public.
He said that the KP government stands firmly with the Health Department and is extending support at all levels. He added that the success of the MR campaign is a collective responsibility.
Health Secretary Shahid Ullah Khan said that more reforms are underway in the department.He urged media outlets to play a role so that no child is left unvaccinated.
EPI Director Dr Asghar Khan stated that all preparations for the MR campaign have been completed, and the department is committed to ensuring its success. He expressed gratitude to the government for its continued support.
UNICEF Health Team Lead Dr. Inamullah Khan spoke about the importance of vaccination and said that vaccines strengthen children’s immunity. He said it is the responsibility of all parents to vaccinate their children. He praised the Health Department for its hard work in making this campaign successful.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information Shafiullah Jan said that the chief minister is taking serious steps to strengthen and modernize the health sector and assured full cooperation.