Measles outbreak confirmed in 42 UCs

DHA to deploy 1,156 medical practitioners including 42 physicians in affected areas

RAWALPINDI:

A surge in measles cases in 42 union councils (UCs) of the Rawalpindi districts has triggered a race against time for the district health authorities.

In response, an emergency vaccination campaign has been launched to immunise all children between the ages of six months and five years across the affected UCs.

The alarming number of children being admitted to hospitals due to measles infections has raised concerns among health officials.

To address the urgent situation in affected areas, a total of 1,156 medical practitioners, including 42 experienced physicians, have been decided to be deployed.

According to officials from the District Health Authority (DHA), a comprehensive measles immunisation drive will take place in the 42 union councils of Rawalpindi from June 19 to June 24. These union councils comprise 19 in Rawalpindi City, 18 in Rawalpindi Cantt, 5 in Taxila, and 10 in rural areas. Measles cases have been reported in all these areas, necessitating immediate action.

Health officials from the DHA have identified respiratory problems as a common symptom of the measles outbreak, primarily affecting children. They have also outlined a six-day case response protocol upon detection of a measles patient.

Additionally, 42 impacted union councils have appointed 52 supervisors, 354 experienced health professionals, 354 support staff, and 354 social mobilisers to ensure the efficient handling of cases.

The DHA officials have confirmed that all necessary preparations for the targeted vaccination campaign have been completed. Furthermore, each union council now has an experienced doctor available, with emergency medical supplies readily accessible. Immediate treatment will be administered if a child displays symptoms of the measles virus. The vaccination drive will reinforce children’s immune systems and safeguard them against the measles virus.

District Health Authority (DHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ejaz Ahmed emphasised that the vaccination drive will significantly reduce child mortality rates and protect them from diseases like measles. Parents are strongly urged to have their children vaccinated against measles between the ages of six months and six years. If any child is inadvertently left out of the measles vaccination campaign, DHA should be promptly notified to ensure the child receives the necessary vaccination, Ahmed added.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 18^th, 2023.