K-P authorities directed to form oversight committees for measles drive

The committees will be assigned tasks pertaining to management, technical and communication

PESHAWAR: Secretary Health Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Abid Majeed has ordered establishment of provincial, district and union council level committees headed by pediatricians in view of the upcoming measles campaign.

The committees will be assigned tasks of oversight, management, technical and communication with a view to achieving best results and ensure quality services to the masses.

Majeed stated this while chairing a high-level meeting in Peshawar on Friday at the health secretariat to review preparations for the campaign.

The secretary health stressed on the need for effective communication and social mobilisation activities prior to the launch of the mega healthcare intervention with a view to raise parents' awareness about the disease and create demand for vaccination.

He also emphasised the need for training of staff, availability of logistics, vaccines and referral systems for the children so that robust and effective system are in place in case of any adverse effects following immunisation (AEFI).

Earlier, Director EPI Dr Akram shah informed the chair about the province wide campaign planned for October next and the preparation.



He apprised those in attendance that children from nine months up to 59 months will be vaccinated during the drive, adding that the total target of the campaign was 4.3 million children.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Dr Ayub Rose said the campaign had been planned in view of the growing number of measles cases reported across the province. He ensured the chair that special focus will be laid on the training of the staff and provision of quality vaccines.

Coordinator EOC Atif Rehman assured full assistance from the PEI structure to support the important initiative aimed at improving health of children.

Director General Health Services Dr Ayub Rose, Director EPI Dr Akram Shah, Deputy Director EPI Dr Taimur Shah, Acting EOC Coordinator Atif Rehman, Technical Focal Person BMGF Dr Imtiaz Ali Shah, Ex Director EPI Dr Hameed Afridi, WHO Team Lead Dr Abdi Nasir, Provincial N Stop Dr Ijaz Shah, UNICEF and relevant staff of the health and LHW programme were also present in the meeting.